We're back this week with Part 2 in our encore series on sibling rivalry and kids fighting with parenting expert, Dr. Laura Markham. Today's episode helps to answer the question of what to do when our kids are fighting.
Much of the common advice that we hear about sibling conflict, even from parenting gurus and experts, is advice like, "Just ignore it when they fight! It's natural!"
While that approach is certainly easier for me as a mom than trying to figure out a proactive solution to helping my kids get along, it didn't seem to work for my two strong willed kids, and it didn't feel right in my heart either. Just ignore it when my kids are saying horrible things to each other or physically aggressive with each other?
Today on the podcast, Dr. Laura teaches us what to do when our kids are fighting-- why we should not just ignore sibling rivalry and how we can coach children to respectfully resolve conflicts instead.
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3 Takeaways for what to do when your kids are fighting
- Just state the problem without judgment, empathizing with both sides. Remember, be an interpreter during your children's arguments, not a referee or a judge.
- If children are ready to talk, encourage them to express to each other what they need, without taking a side. If children are not yet ready to talk, give them lots of empathy so they feel that their emotions are heard.
- Once children have expressed their wants and needs, and the other child has acknowledged it, encourage the children through a brainstorming session to come up with possible solutions and see if they can find one that works for both people.
>>>Are these tips about what to do when your kids are fighting helpful? What would you add to the takeaways? Tell us in the comments below.
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-Get in touch with our Guest! -
Instagram: @drlauramarkham_ahaparenting
Website: Aha! Parenting
Facebook: @AhaParenting
-Sponsors-
- BetterHelp: Use the code 3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy!
- Rothys: Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/3IN30.
-Mentioned in the Episode-
- Part one, Episode 241: 3 Fail-Proof Ways to Reduce Sibling Rivalry // Dr. Laura Markham
-Related Episodes like this one about what to do when your kids are fighting-
I really enjoyed this podcast. My 2 girls fight constantly and no matter what I do or say nothing works. Your podcast had a lot of information and advise and I am going to use all of that starting today! I’ll update you on our progress lol. Thank you so much 😊
I hope this episode will be helpful for you!!Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
Love love love this podcast!
It’s the prefect lengths and I can relate to almost every episode!!!!
For sure this is my favorite mom/parenting/life podcast!!
I always recommend it to my friends and even to my husband!
Looking forward to the next episode!
Thank you so much, Sue!
3 in 30 has helped me become a better mom in so many ways. I have learned and continue to learn ways to keep growing our family bond. My 2 boys will be better kids (and then adults) than I was because you took the time to teach me how in so many different avenues. I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. I especially love that your lessons are short and to the point, because we all know how busy we can be as parents.
I owe you so many thank-you’s. ❤️
This is so incredibly kind. Thank you!!!!!