Sibling Rivalry

[Phoebe]

This topic has been brought up before, I know. How do you deal with sibling rivalry in your house? I realize sibling conflict is normal and will ebb and flow. I am wondering how you guys have handled it.

The younger one instigates so much. As much as I tell the older one to ignore her sister, she gets so distraught. I try to have them leave me out of it unless someone is hurt. I am tired of being a referee! I know I am in for a lifetime of this regardless, but isn't there some magic phrase I can use to make my children get along or at least handle the rivalry with less drama?

Jennifer

[planet]

Jennifer,

I keep trying to think of something to say to you, but sorry, nothing I can say would be helpful. Sibling rivalry is with us to stay. There are good evolutionary explanations (Tooby et al) and yet that doesn't help make it easier when you have to get in the middle. Just feel free to vent as often as you need to! It is probably also so much harder right now since you have so much on your plate.