Sibling fights and bullying (Adapted from Bright Futures in Practice, Mental Health)

Deal with fights according to severity:

• Avoid trying to decide who started a fight: usually both have some responsibility. Giving a consequence for all the children involved will encourage them all to avoid fights in the future.
• Minor squabbles: ignore, to avoid reinforcing this behavior with your attention.
• Louder squabbles: listen to all sides, then encourage your children to resolve the situation themselves
• More intense fights: hear all sides and then separate your children or take away the object they are fighting about.
• Physical fights: hear all sides then give time outs or consequences for each child
• Do not allow one of your children to chronically bully the others:
• Separate your children when bullying occurs.
• Recognize that close supervision of a child who chronically bullies may be needed.
• Arrange for your child to spend time with peers or siblings who can reinforce social skills by exhibiting more positive behaviors.

Adapted from Jellinek, M. (2000). Bright Futures in Practice, Mental Health