Sibling Rivalry Among Teens

Sibling rivalry among teens can be an exhausting issue to deal with. After all, they are teens and we as adults aren't sure whether to greet them or run from them half the time, let alone deal with constant rivalry issues. The key is to get them to focus on what brings them together instead of what tears them apart. Use some of the tips below or just get a giggle out of imaging using these on your teens.

Have them switch rooms. Yes, I said it. Have them leave their things behind and move into each others' rooms. This literally gives them a look inside the mind of each other and maybe a chance to appreciate the things that make each teen unique. It also has the potential to make them cooperate with each other in an effort to get the situation reversed.

Assign them projects to work on together. Make these projects unable to be completed without the cooperation of both teens. Teen rivalry will take a back seat to working together to end the task.

Don't encourage the teen rivalry. I've watched mothers laugh as one teen put his or her brother or sister down. I can full well imagine how this makes them feel. One teen ends up feeling as if they can do no wring while the other takes a couple of blows to their self esteem.

Make allowance cooperative. If your teens get an allowance, make it so that both teens have to complete their chores in order for either of them to receive an allowance. In the world of teens, money can mean a lot. If they have to work together to earn it, they may develop a better appreciation for each other.

Create a moderated hot seat. Get the entire family together. Have each person take a turn giving two compliments to everyone and telling everyone one thing they would like to see improvement on. Then, the person speaking needs to describe in detail their own personal goals and what they plan to do to meet them.

Have a family fun night. Get the entire family together for some fun so that the teens have a chance to enjoy each others' company without the influence of peers or anyone else.

Pay attention to what the issues are. Is this just a constant bickering that is going on between your teens or are there some real issues? Is one teen getting treated better than the other. Are there friends who influence rude behavior between the teens? Pay attention, but try not to take sides. It's never good to hurt one child for the sake of another.