siblings- fighting or playing together

[beclev24]

I have 3 boys- 7, 4 and a baby.

The older two have started fighting really horribly. It seems to escalate to full on hitting within moments of them being together. They can't seem to find a way to play together and get along, even though they often enjoy the same activities. It's exhausting and depressing.

Can anyone suggest any ways to stop the fighting and encourage them to play together? I have read Siblings Without Rivalry which had some helpful things, but often the arguments are not really 'about' anything, so the conflict resolution strategies don't seem to quite apply. They both get lots of individual time and attention from us, although less since the baby came along. Please help!!

[BackforGood]

I think it is fairly common sibling behaviour, and not worth getting too stressed about, if I'm honest.
You'll get some come on here who are horrified, but I think you'll find in reality it's pretty normal.
Try to give them opportunities to do other things, with their own age groups - I know it can be hard work when you have 3, but it is so worth it.
I found mine were always much better when they'd been out and run off some energy in the park / woods / anywhere really, of had been swimming for an hour. Really noticed a difference if they didn't get that exercise on any given day.