9yo DS just pushed 7yo DD

[CharlotteCollins]

I wasn't in the room. I heard them arguing, then a sound like someone falling against furniture and DD cried out. I sent DS straight to his room because we all needed space at that moment. DD said she was pushed; DS said he was leaving the room, pushed her with his shoulder and she "over dramatically" jumped backwards and fell.

Their father was (is) EA, that's why I left. I don't want my DS to think this is OK, but I don't want to imagine he's already like his dad, either.

So how do I deal with this, and is he likely to regret what he did?

Aw, thanks. I lose perspective sometimes, doing all this by myself.

It's a while since I've read a good parenting book. I've heard of Siblings without Rivalry but not read it. I shall get a copy.

I echo grannytomine - seriously, don't worry, you're doing great.

Agree with others - this is par for the course with siblings.

I also have an older DS and younger DD. After a squabble I try to speak to them each on their own to give them a chance to tell their side of the story. I especially make sure to ask them each whether the other one is likely to agree with their version of events. They generally know I'm not going to punish or sympathise with either of them until they can agree on the events and causes - because it's usually six of one and half a dozen of the other.

I tend to go down the route of separating them if they start kicking off with he started it etc I can only say 'I didn't see I wasn't there' because it is usually is six of one half a dozen of the other.
Except in the case of my brother. He always bloody started it and we both got told off. I'm still bitter at the injustice..