What steps can parents take to improve sibling relationships?

All siblings are bound to fight, tease and tattle on one another at some point. Take steps to encourage healthy sibling relationships:

• Respect each child's unique needs. Treating your children uniformly isn't always practical. Instead, focus on meeting each child's unique needs. For example, instead of buying your children the same gifts to avoid conflict, consider buying them different gifts that reflect their individual interests. Instead of signing up all of your children for soccer or piano lessons, ask for their input.
• Avoid comparisons. Comparing your children's abilities can make them feel hurt and insecure. Avoid discussing the differences between children in front of them. When praising one of your children, describe his or her action or accomplishment — rather than comparing it to how his or her sibling does it.
• Set the ground rules. Make sure your children understand what you consider acceptable and unacceptable behavior when it comes to interacting with each other, as well as the consequences of misbehavior. For example, discourage your children from criticizing and correcting each other.
• Don't get involved in battles. Encourage your children to settle their own differences. While you might need to help younger children resolve disputes, you can still refrain from taking sides. When you discipline your children, avoid doing so in front of others — which can cause shame and embarrassment. When possible, take your child aside to discuss his or her behavior. Also, avoid using nicknames for your children that might perpetuate sibling rivalry or repeatedly blaming one child for sibling disputes.
• Anticipate problems. If your children can't resolve a disagreement by themselves or they routinely fight over the same things, help them devise a solution. For example, if you have young children who have trouble sharing, encourage them to each play with their own toys or plan activities that don't require much cooperation — such as listening to music or playing hide and seek. If your children battle over gadgets, help them create a weekly schedule. Explain the consequences of not following the schedule.
• Listen to your children. Being a sibling can be frustrating. Allow your children to vent their negative feelings about each other. Respond by acknowledging their feelings. If you have siblings, share stories of your own childhood conflicts. Keeping your sense of humor might also be useful. Consider holding regular family meetings to give your children a chance to talk about and work out sibling issues. Family dinners also provide opportunities for talking and listening.
• Encourage good behavior. When you see your children playing well together or working as a team, compliment them.
• Show your love. Spend time alone with each of your children. Do special activities with each child that reflects his or her interests. Remind your children that you're there for them and they can talk about anything with you.