Having a brother or sister around for a playmate can certainly be a blessing, but sometimes it seems like your kids just can’t get along to save their lives! Here are my tips for helping to maintain peace in your heart when there’s very little peace in your home:

1. Understand that conflict is inevitable.

   With multiple ages of children, it is hard for everyone to get along and play well every day. People in the same environment with one another day after day are going to rub each other the wrong way! Recognizing that conflict is natural might help you approach it more calmly.

2. Try to stay out of the quarrels between children.

   When my kids would fuss at each other, my rule was always, “if I get involved everyone is getting in trouble.” That was usually motivation enough for them to work it out on their own.

3. Work to create some space between them on a regular basis.

   Siblings get tired of each other! Change things up by inviting over a friend or setting up a playdate for just one child. Or you can ‘take’ the little brother or sister away from the older children for a more pleasant play environment. Often when they come back together they are excited to see each other and will play nicely for a little while.

I hope these tips help! Remember moms, our children have to be trained up in the way they should go - getting along isn’t natural! Persevere and don’t give up. One day your child’s sibling might just be their best friend.