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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To despair at sibling rivalry ages 6&8

10 replies

spanieleyes22 · 09/03/2025 20:02

So my friend has 2 girls but it's becoming increasingly difficult to hang out with her and the girls because of the intense jealousy between them. If I look at one the other one gets so cross - there was crying and slammed doors today from the older one cos she said that I liked her sister more. It's true the younger one demands attention so I do end up giving her more attention . Anyone any advice for my friend she is nearly broken by it at this stage . They scream and yell and kick off every second minute it seems it's unbearable. I left early today as I couldn't take it any more. I felt bad and I think my friend was surprised I said I was going home. I just made excuses. Anyone experienced this.

OP posts:
spanieleyes22 · 09/03/2025 20:04

I've suggested I treat them individually like take them out say , one at a time , but my friend won't agree as she says it will cause a huge fight on the day if I take one and not both 🙈

OP posts:
FurFangsPawsAndClaws · 09/03/2025 21:07

Can you arrange set days where you take them out? For example you take one out Tuesday and one Wednesday one week then swap days the next week so they don’t argue over which is the better day?
If you do the same activities then you can’t be accused of being unfair as you are doing exactly the same. If they continue to scrap over it then just say you don’t want to spend any time with them, it might be an incentive for them to behave a bit better for your friend.

Are they just fighting for your attention or is this a constant thing when you aren’t present? If they are fighting over you then I’d plan to see your friend without their knowledge. If this is all the time and you are trying to give your friend a break then you have the patience of a saint! I think it’s kind of you to try but I wouldn’t be able to cope with this.

It sounds like your friend needs outside help managing their behaviour, she must be exhausted having to deal with this constantly. Is she punishing the behaviour when they are screaming, yelling and slamming doors?

It sounds like she needs to punish both equally for the bad behaviour and not award it with more attention, they are both going to escalate the tantrums to compete for the attention. If they start scrapping they need separating and putting in different rooms to cool off then your friend only responds to the good behaviour. Does she spend an equal amount of time with them separately or is this not possible? Is their father involved? Could you plan a day out with one child whilst the other has a mummy - daughter day?

If it happens every time you visit then just leave as soon as they start arguing, it’ll teach them that it’s not gaining anything and you don’t have to put up with the tantrums, if your friend isn’t doing anything to stop the behaviour then it’s just chaos you don’t need in your life!

spanieleyes22 · 10/03/2025 00:20

Some good advice thanks very much @FurFangsPawsAndClaws my friend told me today that she is so fed up she literally puts in her earphones and ignores them. I think it's got to a stage where she just can't enjoy their company at all and just wants them to be quiet and go away. She seems to give them a lot of instructions but there's not a lot of conversations. They are quite isolated I don't think they see anyone at weekends. I'm going to suggest taking one at a time but I don't think she will agree. She insists that the younger one will have a huge tantrum and her life will be miserable . I find it hard taking both of them out tho as I end up being a referee and it's exhausting.

OP posts:
Musntapplecrumble · 10/03/2025 06:32

I wonder if you spoke to them about it yourself, calmly and clearly, they may listen to you more? How it's upsetting Mummy and you? And maybe that youll have to separate visits like you said? Apologies if you've tred this already...🤔

TheOccupier · 10/03/2025 07:06

If your friend can't control her bratty children just see her without them. I can't imagine any of the DC I know behaving like this. Why don't they do anything on the weekend? Can she put them in (separate) activities and you meet her for a coffee then?

Phineyj · 10/03/2025 07:17

Get a copy of Siblings Without Rivalry and try some of the tips.

TeaRoseTallulah · 10/03/2025 07:17

Why are you taking them out so much?

biscuitsandbooks · 10/03/2025 07:18

Why are you hanging out with your friend and her kids so much?

BendingSpoons · 10/03/2025 07:19

I don't think there is much you can do in isolation. It sounds like the youngest is being pandered to out of fear of the tantrums and the oldest is learning that if she wants her way, she has to shout and wail too. Compounded by the fact she probably doesn't give them much attention when they are quiet and calm. Your friend needs to allow the youngest to have her tantrum. It won't be pleasant, but if she continues to hold firm, the 6yo will gradually realise it doesn't work to scream and shout. She also needs to give positive attention for good behaviour e.g. if one is calm, then chatting about their day.

You could build up by taking 1 at a time for a set amount of time e.g. take 6yr old for an hour to the park then take 8yo. Your friend would have to be on board to deal with the 6yo. I think it will be difficult for you to implement much unless mum is on board. It sounds tricky and you sound like a good friend trying to make it work. I don't think many would have the patience tbh.

MumofSpud · 10/03/2025 07:29

No advice here but sympathy
My DS and DD were similar but there was also a large age gap (8 years) between them!
It's only now that it's ok (oldest is 26)Blush

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