Recipes for a Sweet Child Amid Challengesናሙና

I’m not sure when or how it happened, but suddenly, my children, who were once the best of friends, began clashing like the worst enemies. They broke into constant bickering and competition, along with comparing, complaining, and fighting. At best, they were frenemies.

It’s like they forgot who they were—family, best friends, children of God, brother and sister. The truth is, the closer we are in our heart-to-heart relationships, the more we tend to hurt each other.

Sibling rivalry rears its ugly head from time to time. It’s a natural part of family life. When it does, we try to spend time out of the house with each child individually. We reconnect and explore what’s at the root of their frustration. We help our kids pray for one another and practice empathy, the art of putting oneself in someone else’s shoes. This carries us a long way the next time sibling rivalry pops up.

Sibling relationships are incredibly special. They create countless opportunities to model biblical behavior and learn invaluable life skills. They are a gift to be cherished, and it’s our responsibility as parents to help our children recognize this and respond accordingly.

Teachable Moment

As a family, we want to celebrate each other’s strengths and differences, keeping in mind that we are on the same team. A win for one is a win for all, just as a loss for one is a loss for all. We’re going to make name signs that include some of the best traits each of us has. Use your first names as an acronym for all of the attributes you love about each other. For example, for KATIE, I might have: Kind, Attentive, Thoughtful, Inspirational, Encouraging. Decorate and hang your signs, and then come up with one together for your last name. Frame it somewhere prominent to remind yourselves that you are a teamand not rivals.

Parents’ Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of my children. Thank You for the life lessons they learn from one another and the opportunities You give us to grow together and become more like Your Son. Help us to be patient and loving with each other as You reveal any heart issues that hinder our relationships. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.