Sibling Rivalry -- What's a Mother to do?
If you are a frequent reader of this Blog, you know that Mary and I will be speakers at an upcoming Momference teleconference titled Special Needs: Managing Stress with a Smile.
Our session is called: My Brother My Sister My Enemy My Friend - The New Definition of Sibling Rivalry.
This week, we thought we would set the "mood" for Momference by writing a few entries on the topic over the next two weeks.
We all know that some sibling rivalry is inevitable -- even healthy. However, it's not always safe, especially if one of the children has special needs. That fact can also put some undue pressure on the "typically developing" brother or sister. So, what's a mother to do?
1. Acknowledge the anger.
2. Listen to each child's side of the argument.
3. Recognize that the problem is a tough one.
4. Offer some potential solutions to both parties then allow them to work out a mutually agreeable solution.
5. Make certain the child without special needs is not always the one who must concede.
6. Fairness may not always be possible but acknowledge this fact with empathy.
7. When the crisis is over, appreciate the children's efforts to come to some agreement.
8. Plan on attending Momference for even more ideas and suggestions.
