As anyone who is a parent of siblings will tell you, sometimes your children simply don’t get on.
Whereas most of the time children are grateful for the friendship an older or younger sibling provides, disagreements are inevitable.
Throughout our lives the relationships we forge with our family can affect our physical and mental well being.
Ultimately, from power struggles to differences in personality, there are lots of reasons why young brothers and sisters can fall out.
Hope is not lost however, there are indeed ways to find peace and build bridges through play.
At Kids Konnect our play-based curriculum draws on activities that – at an age appropriate level – teach children the importance of compassion and consideration for the feelings of others.
In this blog, we’ll be discovering 5 mood-boosting activities that can help on the journey to healing even the most bitter of rifts between young siblings.
1. Passing Games
It’s completely normal for young siblings to become competitive.
To help encourage your children to work together, give them various toys to pass to each other using only their bodies – hands are strictly forbidden.
Set up an obstacle course at home or in the yard and once your children have mastered the basic technique, add an extra level of difficulty by using smaller objects.
2. Treasure Hunt
Clear communication is key for siblings to get on.
Set up a treasure hunt around the house or in the yard and blindfold one child.
Let the other child guide their blindfolded brother or sister to test their use of instructions and navigation skills.
For more outdoor activities to try with your child, check out this blog.
3. Egg Protectors
Time spent outside is a great way to get your children problem solving away from their usual environment – plus, your children will love this egg-cellent game whatever the outcome.
Pass your preschoolers an egg and a box of art supplies.
In 5 minutes, they must do all they can to build a contraption to protect the egg before it is dropped from a height.
This activity is also a fun way of introducing your child to basic engineering concepts.
4. Hide and Seek Vs. Mom and Dad
Competition is often the root cause of fallings out between siblings.
However, sometimes embracing your children’s competitive sides can lead to surprising moments of unity.
Split into two teams for an extra special game of hide and seek – parents vs. children - and watch the fun unfold.
Are you a busy parent or carer in need of some TLC? We've got you covered.
5. Birthday Bond Boosting
Use your children’s birthdays as an opportunity to celebrate what makes them both unique.
Plan party games that the whole family can join in and try taking some time to chat with the other sibling about things they love about their sibling.
Jot all their favorite things down in a card to cherish for years to come.
Click here for some healthy birthday party treats.
It Takes Two…
During the preschool years, most children will learn the importance of sharing, being kind to each other and trying new activities outside of their comfort zones.
Furthermore, even adults can find it difficult to get on with their siblings all the time.
Finally, remember to talk to your children about any disagreements when they happen and make sure fallings out are resolved quickly and calmly.
Do your children fall out frequently? What are your tactics to coping with upset siblings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
