As fulfilling as parenting may be, we can all agree that it is one of the world’s toughest and most demanding roles. The challenge doubles when you must look over the needs of not one but two little ones growing up simultaneously.
Jonah Engler understands that getting caught up in the chaos and conflict that inevitably comes with raising siblings can be easy. However, it is important to remember that a healthy sibling relationship is key to your children’s development and overall well-being.
Jonah Engler‘s Tips to Encourage a Healthy Sibling’s Relationship
Promote Positive Communication
One of the most important things you can do to promote a healthy sibling relationship encourages positive communication between your children. This means teaching them how to express their feelings in an assertive yet respectful way.
It is also important that you model positive communication yourself. If you tend to shout or use negative language when communicating with your partner or other family members, your children will likely do the same with each other.
Encourage Fairness and Balance
It is only natural for siblings to want what their brother or sister has. Whether it’s a toy, a privilege, or even your attention, jealousy and envy are common emotions among siblings.
One way to promote a healthy sibling relationship is to encourage fairness and balance. Try to give each of your children equal attention and love. When it comes to material possessions, try to rotate who gets which toy or allow them to take turns using things.
Teach Them How to Resolve Conflict
Conflict and arguments are inevitable in any relationship, including sibling relationships. It would help if you taught your children how to resolve conflict in a healthy way.
One way to do this is to model constructive conflict resolution yourself. Another way is to encourage them to use “I” statements when communicating with each other. For example, instead of saying, “You hit me!” they could say, “I felt really angry when you hit me.”
Encourage Individuality
You must encourage your children to be individuals and not try to compare them to each other or force them into traditional gender roles. Jonah Engler emphasizes the value of encouraging children to do things independently as this helps them develop a strong sense of self-identity and confidence.
Promote Quality Time Together
Make time for activities that your children can enjoy together. This could be anything from playing a game to going on a nature walk. Quality time together will help them bond and appreciate each other more.
Encourage Them to Be Supportive Of Each Other
One way to promote a healthy sibling relationship is to encourage your children to be supportive of each other. This could involve things like cheering each other on during sporting events or being understanding when one child is having a tough day.
Teach Them about Boundaries
It’s important that your children understand the concept of personal boundaries. This will help them respect each other’s space and reduce co-dependence. Teach them that setting these standards is vital to creating a relationship that values privacy and personal space.
Seek Professional Help If Necessary
If you’ve tried all of the above and are still struggling to promote a healthy sibling relationship, it may be time to seek professional help. This is especially true if there is violence or other serious problems.
A therapist can help your children learn how to communicate better and healthily resolve conflict. They can also help you as a parent learn how to better support your children.
Bottom Line
Jonah Engler believes that patience is the key to instilling a healthy sibling bond. You must remember that it takes repeated efforts and consistency to help children develop long-lasting habits. The tips mentioned above will lend a helping hand if practiced regularly.