Helping children deal with sibling rivalry

PW invited parents of Indus Altum International School, Belagavi to share insights on how they help children overcome sibling rivalry

“To maintain a happy environment at home, it becomes imperative to understand the origin of any conflict between my daughters Aarna (class V) and Anushka (LKG), and then try to resolve it by keeping calm and encouraging positive communication between them. I create opportunities for compromise and co-operation by motivating them to play together and strive to make time for each child individually and as a family. We often play indoor board and outdoor games together, and even bake cakes together. Sharing responsibilities and rewards is a lesson I have taught them early on. I believe enforcing love and respect for each other helps develop strong family bonds” — Dr Divya Navin Mulimani, consultant radiologist, Aarna Scans and Interventional Radiology Clinic, Belagavi

“Till I had my son Dev (class VI), I was a normal parent. When my daughter Diya (class III) was born, I upskilled overnight into a referee. Fighting and arguing between siblings is a natural phenomenon which is how children learn to sort out problems and develop strategies they can use in similar conflict-like situations. We always encourage Dev and Diya to talk to each other rather than become physical. We also teach them ways to manage anger and avoid intervening in each and every argument. Amicable and peaceful solutions are always rewarded.” — Komal Badani, business development, Diamond Metal Screens Pvt. Ltd

“When I conceived my second child Aanya (class V), my son Dhruv (class VIII) was three years old and throughout my pregnancy we prepared him mentally for a younger sibling. Luckily, he was looking forward to a younger sister and is very protective and caring towards her. Post-delivery I was unable to give him sufficient attention, but we made sure he got enough from his father and both set of grandparents, so he never felt left out. We have never compared them with each other and celebrate their uniqueness equally. This mantra goes a long way in avoiding sibling rivalry” — Dr. Rashmi Naik, pediatrician, Lotus Hospital, Belagavi

“One decision we took when we were expecting our second child was that we will not make our daughter Athmika (class IV) feel less important with her younger sibling’s arrival. Therefore, we started involving her in tending to baby Avantika and made her feel equally important. Now we encourage open communication between the girls, allowing them to express their feelings and concerns without judgement, and involve them in team activities. At the same time, we acknowledge their individual strengths and ensure that each has her own space to avoid unnecessary conflict. By promoting empathy and understanding, my girls are learning to appreciate each other’s differences and build a loving sibling bond” — Surya M.V, homemake