How to Encourage Siblings to Play Nicely

How to Encourage Siblings to Play Nicely

If you have two young children, you might find it difficult to keep them both amused. In particular, young siblings can fight and upset each other. This is something that happens to a lot of families and sometimes, it can take a while for siblings to bond.

 

Instead of spending time worrying about this, know that there are things you can do to encourage siblings to play nicely together. Let’s take a look at some ways you can do this.

 

Use Positive Reinforcement

 

Sometimes, a little encouragement can go a long way. In particular, with young children, they are going to appreciate praise and knowing they are doing a good job. So, this is what you are going to need to do when your children are playing together nicely.

 

Thus, they are playing and having fun, using positive language and telling them they are doing well. This is going to mean they want to do this more often.

 

Choose Shareable Toys

 

When it comes to toys, you have to be careful. We all know that children can fight over small things and get upset easily. For example, you do not want your children to fight over the same toy. So, the best way to avoid this, as well as to encourage them to play nicely, is to buy shareable toys. For example, there are group activities that are going to be fun for them to play together. You can even join in as a family. For example, we love the Wooden Bowling Family Game Boxset that you can all play together. There is also the 3D Wooden Puzzle Kit that is going to be fun for all the family.

 

Still Encourage Alone Time

 

Of course, you want your siblings to be able to play together and have fun. But, this is not something they should do all the time. Everyone needs some alone time during the day and young children are no different. This is going to allow them time to rest and relax. After all, you know how grouchy you can get if you have to socialise and be around people all the time. So, allow your children to have alone time. This might be what is necessary to prevent fights and upset in the house.

 

Offer Equal One-to-One Attention

 

The last thing you want to happen is for jealousy to arise between two siblings. This is going to make them upset at each other and it can lead to fighting. This is something that can happen through offering more time to one child than the other. Of course, this is not something that you will be doing deliberately. But, you have to be conscious about this. Therefore, the best practice is to offer equal one-on-one attention with your children. Let them know that this is their time and they are both going to enjoy it. This way, they know that they are equal and that you do not have any favourites.

 

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