Sibling Relationship Lab

How do you know if you're practicing gospel-centered, heart-focused parenting ... or if you've slipped into over-relying on behavior modification? We'll talk about some of the red flags that will help you to see where you've been off track. And then we'll discuss a basic framework for re-focusing on a heart-centered approach!

In Episode 25, we talked about how emotional sibling conflict can be for moms. We talked about healthy ways to process and understand those emotions.

But what if you can't even get enough of a break from the conflict to handle or manage the emotions? In this episode, we'll talk about some quick-fixes to reset the cycle of bickering and arguing and give everyone (mom included) some room to breathe and cool down!

No mom likes sibling conflict. In fact, most of us dread it.

But have you ever stepped back to ask yourself why? Why is sibling conflict so stressful for moms? Why does it trigger painful mom guilt and self-doubt?

Let's take a closer look at the emotional triggers and how we can process them in healthy and gospel-centered ways!

Kind of an odd topic for a sibling podcast, right? Why would people listening to a sibling podcast need to hear about raising an only child? And why would a person raising an only child be listening to a sibling podcast?

That's what I thought, too. But then I started exploring this topic at the suggestion of someone I hold in high respect and, well, it turns out that this is quite the relevant topic for us.

I often hear from moms who grew up without siblings and wonder if they are handicapped in their ability to manage sibling conflict. And as I started researching this topic further, I realized it was quite relevant!

I'll share what I discovered and my big ah-ha moment, too!

During this strange time of quarantine and social distancing, you might be noticing and up-tick in sibling conflict in your home.

You are not alone.

Lots of moms are adapting to new schedules and routines. And lots of kids are processing changes and disappointments, too.

Here are a few thoughts to keep you afloat during these - or any other - challenging, unusual circumstances.

In this follow-up conversation, we're continuing our discussion about siblings and screen time with some practical tips and approaches for handling the drama during or post-screen time.

Plus, we're also talking about some of the benefits (yes, positives!) of screen time for sibling relationships!

(This episode builds on the framework we established in Episode 21, so if you haven't already, go back and listen to Episode 21 first.)

Whenever the topic of screen time comes up, I often hear moms say, "My kids fight more after they've had screen time." And I believe them.

But let's dig a little deeper. Is the digital demonic? Let's consider this topic from a Biblical worldview. What does the Bible have to say about screen time conflict?

Plus, we'll talk about the popular idea of a "screen free week" or "screen free summer". Does it really do any good? Or is there a hidden danger?

You tell your kids they're supposed to love each other. But how is one child supposed to love a sibling who's being mean or even violent? What does it look like to be kind to someone who isn't being very kind to you. And is that even something reasonable to require of your children?

When there's a conflict or when one child gets mad at another kid, we're very careful to make sure our kids take responsibility for their actions. And we usually try to figure out who is to blame for the upset.

But is it possible that no one is to blame? Or that the behavior in question is just one small piece of the puzzle?

Sometimes it's clear whose turn it is. Or maybe someone has a right to something because it is his own personal property. But what about those times when it isn't so clear? Do your kids know how to negotiate effectively? We'll talk about some important elements of healthy negotiation ... plus the number one thing that will put the breaks on a successful negotiation.