Over the years, I have been asked how my children are so well behaved? Why do they get along so well and never seem to be fighting?
This really feels like a weird comment to get, and although it’s a compliment, I know the reality is my children could act terribly and fall apart at any given moment. No child is perfect or free from the occasional full-on temper tantrum.
So how can you raise kind humans that love their siblings, at least most of the time? Well, I can’t promise that this will work for everyone, but here is what our family did.
- Have some pretty strict rules and follow-through that happen if those rules are broken. So, mom, I know it will be hard to hurt your little one’s feelings or hear them cry, but you have to follow through!
- Demonstrate kindness to them first and lead by example as much as possible. I was and am not perfect, but I did try and apologize when I made my own mistakes and use it as a teaching moment.
- All toys belong to all children equally. Meaning, these are not only one child’s toys. All toys mostly belong to everyone. That way, we are consistently forced to share. Yes, certain toys became individual children’s bedtime favorites, but the general rule is we share everything in this family.
- Get moving outside. Kids need to get bored outside so that they have to work together and be creative, play make-believe, or create a new game. You can get out and play a bit and let your children learn from you about the world. Trust me, you are better and even more amazing than the Disney Channel.
- This is the MOST IMPORTANT TIP!
Don’t give them each their own room. Have your children all share! They will be forced to get along and share everything and let me tell you the love and friendship that will develop will be amazing.
My daughter shared a room with her two brothers until the sixth grade. Yes, she was lucky enough to have a space she called her own to change clothes in, but she slept in their room each night.
It reminded me of Wendy reading to the lost boys when I would listen in and hear their giggles as she read stories.
That’s it, there is the secret for your little ones to enjoy being together. It won’t always be easy, but having a peaceful house will be worth the effort.
I hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions or need any more suggestions.
