Stop Sibling Rivalry

Do your children fight? Is it becoming more of a problem this summer? My children mostly get along, but my nine year old son and almost seven year old daughter have some problems with sibling rivalry. I think I've pinpointed the problem. My nine year old son is the oldest of three children. The younger children are boy/girl twins. The twins have a strong bond, and the boys have a strong bond. I think there are times my nine year old son and seven year old daughter are jealous of the relationship each has with their brother.

My husband and I don't allow anyone to talk in a negative or irrated tone to each other, but it keeps happening with our older son and younger daughter.

Last night our youngest son was at a sleepover birthday party. Our oldest son wanted to play Wii. I don't think he thought he would have much fun with his sister. It was a nice evening, so I suggested we go outside. There was a storm that was passing north of our town. We got out lawn chairs and watched the clouds and lightning. I don't know what was more beautiful, my children's interactions or the sky.

I've searched the internet for advice to manage sibling rivalry. One suggestion is for parents to have one on one time with each child. This makes each child feel important and special. We are lucky enough to have my mom living seven blocks away. She takes two children at a time for sleepovers periodically. We get the bonus of one on one time with a child, and the other two children get a chance to bond with each other.

Here are two links I've found useful.
http://www.parents-in-a-pickle.com/managing-sibling-rivalry.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/sibling_rivalry.html















Here are a few videos of sibling rivalry for your entertainment. There's even one of puppy sibling rivalry.