Siblings and Friends: Tips to Encourage Positive Sibling Play 

For young children, their siblings are often their first, best, and closest friends. However, living in close quarters can also bring about squabbles and fights. When children are young, their brains have not developed enough for a healthy understanding of conflict resolution, and they often aren’t automatically wired to understand others’ perspectives. While sibling fighting isn’t uncommon, and can teach valuable life skills, it can be taxing on parents. Here are some ways to encourage positive play between siblings.

Encourage teamwork, especially when playing.

If you catch your children going to play and they begin to fight or wrestle, here is an easy fix: help them create scenarios where they work together. Suggest games they can play where teamwork is key! This can include encouraging them to play teacher and student, shopper and cashier, etc. Even think of characters from books or TV that they love! Having them switch roles often is crucial, and creates an equal environment for both children.

Bring the parents into it!

Another way to have children work on a team is to have them work against a common enemy–you. Whether it’s a board game, scavenger hunt, or lost and found, this method is great bonding for the family. Even if they do end up bickering, let them work it out together! Working toward a common goal is a great team-building exercise and can lead toward healthier relationships between children.

Utilize a timer.

If you find your children arguing over an item, timers are great tools to help segment playtime equally. Set a five to ten minute timer for each kid to use a toy, then have them pass it to their sibling themselves. Reward your child for a successful pass-off. This is great encouragement for sharing, and teaches good time management skills, too.

Give them a physical activity to work on together.

As mentioned before, working together in teams is great for relationship-building! There are plenty of activities children can do together where they are able to work together. Give them a board game, a puzzle, or something like Jenga to encourage teamwork! You can also have them collaborate on a drawing or clay sculptures. 

All in all, these methods are great ways to encourage a positive playing environment between siblings. While they do help reduce fights, they also teach children valuable life skills, like sharing, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Try using one of these tips and tricks next time a disagreement escalates, and see what happens!

For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.