Sibling RivalrySample

Esther spread a sheet of newspaper onto the kitchen table. On top of it she placed three tubs of paint and a wooden jewelry box. She dipped a tiny paint brush into a glass of water. “Hmm, which color first?” she thought “I’ll start with a big red heart.”

“Can I paint too?” her little sister Hannah asked. 

“No,” Esther said through pursed lips. “You’re not careful with paint.”

“Come on. Let me help.” Hannah said. She leaned on the table. 

“Get off, you’ll mess everything up!” Esther whined. 

Hannah crossed her arms. “Fine,” she said coldly. “That’s my paint brush.” 

“No it’s not!” Esther protested.

“It’s mine!” Hannah screamed, grabbing the brush out of Esther’s hand. Esther reached for it, but Hannah hid it behind her back. Esther leaped at Hannah, tackling her to the ground. Their mom walked in just at that moment.

“Esther, go to your room.” 

“It wasn’t my fault!” Esther protested.

“I don’t care whose fault it is.” Their mother said. “If you’re fighting, you need to separate. Esther, upstairs, now.”

Brothers and sisters. They always want to tag along. But they don’t play what you want to play. And there’s not enough stuff for both of you. No wonder siblings fight!

One of the Bible’s heroes, Abraham, had a younger family member who gave him trouble. Lot tagged along with Abraham. That was okay most of the time. But Abraham and Lot had to separate when they started fighting over stuff. So Abraham let Lot choose where he wanted to be, and then went in the other direction. To Abraham, it was more important to end the fight than to get exactly what he wanted. 

Fights over stuff can get ugly quickly. So when a brother or sister shouts “mine,” it's good to get a little distance and time apart.

Try this:  Next time you’re getting angry with your sibling, take five and five. Take five steps backward and take five deep breaths. If you still feel angry, take five more. Wait until then to say or do anything.

Prayer:  God, help me remember you when I’m feeling angry. Help me and my siblings work together. I trust that you give me everything I need. Amen.

For More: This mom acted swiftly instead of lecturing. Read more about why lectures don’t work well.