As children enter the “tween” years, sibling rivalry often rears its head. This is a time when children are becoming more self-aware, impressionable, and moody. Competition arises in an effort to boost one’s own ego. Parents should avoid comparing children. In co-parenting, both parents should put forth the same expectations. Consequences should therefore be consistent as well. When disagreements happen, parents should not place blame on one child. Help children understand that, by working together, they can rely on each other’s strengths. Parents can act as role models and encourage older siblings to do the same.
Key Takeaways:
- As your children begin the journey toward adulthood, their tween brains are making leaps and bounds. The tween years serve in some ways as an awakening.
- Tween years are often the time when outside impressions mean everything. Tweens seek to avoid embarrassment at all costs, even when no one else cares or is even looking.
- The home environment serves as base camp for your kids. It is here that behavior is modeled, molded, directed, and redirected.
“If you are co-parenting your kids, it is important that there is consistency. Even if you are not with the other parent, unified responses make a huge difference in this and other situations. When you both agree on what is acceptable behavior you increase the chances that your children will follow the rules.”
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/lets-talk-tween/201608/when-sibling-rivalry-goes-awry