Siblings – How to Create Healthy Bonds

With three kids, I’m often asked if they get along. Um…yeah… sure… from time to time… here and there. Truth be told and kidding aside, this is an issue that is extremely important to me. Whenever times are tough, I love the feeling that my own three brothers are in my corner. To give this same sense of security to my own kids is crucial to me. I often joke with the hubby that they can grow up to hate me as long as they are there for each other. For tips on making this happen (the part where they get along, not the part where they hate me…ahem), I turned to Noni Levi, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Parenting Coach who first answered my own questions, followed by her article on fostering healthy sibling relationships right from the start. Oh… and you may get a tip or two on putting up with your own siblings this holiday season.

I’ve heard the tip to never compare siblings to one another, but what about praising one for their accomplishments — I sometimes catch myself toning down my praise of my third child so I don’t hurt the feelings of the other two after I notice their faces dropping. What do you suggest in order to celebrate one child’s success without hurting another’s feelings?

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