Siblings

[parrotonmyshoulder]

Please talk to me about how your children get on with each other, or don’t. How and when do you intervene? How do you encourage positive relationships between them? What about jealousy of each other and comparing each other?

As you can tell, I’m struggling with mine at the moment. DS 7 and DD 10. I’ve read ‘Siblings without Rivalry’ lots of times...

At those sorts of ages - they didn't at all.

I've just come to tell you that, as adults, they get on really well, are really supportive of each other, can have a laugh together, are in regular touch with one another and choose to socialise and go and stay with each other.

Just wanted to give you hope, as I was in despair on many an occasion when mine were that sort of age.

That’s a kind and thoughtful reply, thank you! I suppose it is fears for the future that are getting in the way for me, so that does help. Eldest is really happy in lockdown, youngest needs more company so wants her a lot, I think, when I look at the bigger picture - a whole day or week - they are doing fine. But there are so many shouty, ‘I’m never speaking to you again’ moments some days!

Mine are the same age OP, and go from 0 to 10 in about 10 seconds! One minute everything's fine, next they're shouting and hitting each other. It's exasperating. I do think though in some respects they've actually been slightly better since we locked down, as they obviously only have each other for company.

It's hard going though at at times, the 7 year old is a wind up merchant, and DD who's 10 is at times emotional, so it's a great combination... I take solace though from the fact that my brother and I were very similar at that age, and we are now, as the PP said, good friends.

I used to argue so much with my brother also at that age, now we are the best of friends and get on so well!!

Mine are 10,8,6 the 6 and 8 get on fine but the 10 year old has moments of arguing, being to old for their behaviour etc and finds them annoying! They all got on ridiculously well when younger! Also going to being stuck inside together 24/7 will be having an impact! If they weren't arguing at times I would find it stranger tbh!!