Dr. Bill and Martha Sears wrote an article on 20 ways to deal with sibling rivalry (http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/discipline-behavior/bothersome-behaviors/sibling-rivalry/20-tips-stop-quibbling).   We touch on these tips and discuss their meaning and how we can incorporate them into our lives.

1. Make friends before birth

2. Make the older sibling feel important

3. Time share

4. Stay Positive

5. Begin the day in harmony

6. Raise sensitive siblings: in charge, comforter, minister, teacher, co-workers, co-sleepers, entertainer

7. Set Limits - no disturbing the peace

8. Hold family meetings

9. Humor is the best medicine

10. Foster a team spirit

11. Promote empathy

12. Promote gender sensitivity

13. Ignore smallies; address biggies - let them handle it themselves

14. Children do not have to be treated equally - they are individuals

15. Every child is a favorite

16. Minimize comparions

17. Referee quarrels

18. When in doubt, intervene

19. Listen to both sides - be careful of creating a victim

20. Siblings are forever