20 Feb 2023 | 5 min Read
Manisha Pradhan
Author | 1053 Articles
As Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan’s younger son Jeh Ali Khan turns two tomorrow(21 February 2023), we can’t help but notice the bond between Jeh and his older brother Taimur Ali Khan. The much loved and talked about Khan siblings are #siblinggoals. While Taimur is every bit the protective big brother, Jeh seems to enjoy being around and playing with his big brother.
Saif Ali Khan’s sister Saba Pataudi too seems in awe of the close bond these siblings share. She shared an adorable picture of her nephews, where Taimur is seen trying to pick up his little brother. Sharing the moment, Saba wrote, “SIBLINGS….too! Big brother protects #timtim..Small brother grabs ! #jehjaan.. Younger ones are always playing around !! That’s why we have a protective older ‘bhaijaan’.”
That’s true siblings do have a special bond that can last a lifetime. However, it is not uncommon for siblings to have conflicts, especially during their early childhood years. As a parent, it can be frustrating and stressful to see your toddler siblings argue or fight constantly.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to help your little ones get along. Keeping some tips and strategies to promote positive interactions between toddler siblings will help them bond for a lifetime.
Toddlers are still learning how to behave, and they often test boundaries. It is important to set clear expectations and rules for your children’s behaviour, including how to treat each other. Explain to your children what is acceptable behaviour and what is not.
Consistency is key when it comes to enforcing rules. Make sure both children understand the consequences of breaking the rules.
Toddlers have limited communication skills, and they may need help to express themselves effectively. It is important to encourage positive communication between your children.
Teach them to use their words to express their feelings and needs, rather than resorting to hitting or yelling. Encourage your children to talk to each other, and be sure to praise them when they use kind and respectful words.
Conflict is a normal part of life, and it is important to teach your children how to resolve conflicts independently. Teach them problem-solving skills, such as taking turns, sharing, and compromising. You can use simple activities and games to teach your children these skills.
For example, you can have them take turns playing with a toy or have them work together to complete a puzzle.
Siblings who spend time together are more likely to have a strong bond. Make sure to spend quality time with your children, both individually and together. Plan fun activities that they can do together, such as playing outside, doing crafts, or reading books.
Encourage your children to play together, but also respect their need for alone time.
It is important to avoid comparing your children to each other, as this can lead to resentment and jealousy. Each child is unique, and they should be celebrated for their individual strengths and abilities.
Avoid making comments like “why can’t you be more like your sister/brother?” Instead, focus on praising each child for their unique qualities.
Children learn by example, and it is important to model positive behaviour for your children. Show them how to treat others with kindness and respect.
Avoid using physical punishment or yelling when you are upset, as this can teach your children to behave in the same way. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour.
When your children are having a conflict, it is important to remain neutral. Avoid taking sides or blaming one child over the other. Instead, listen to both sides of the story and help them work through the conflict together.
Encourage them to find a solution that works for both of them.
Toddlers often crave attention from their parents, and it is important to provide individual attention to each child. Spend one-on-one time with each child, doing activities that they enjoy.
This will help them feel valued and important and may reduce feelings of jealousy or competition.
It is important to remember that siblings are not always going to be best friends. While it is great to encourage positive interactions between your children, it is also important to respect their personalities and boundaries.
Don’t force your children to spend time together if they don’t want to. Instead, give them space and allow them to develop their own interests and friendships.
If your children continue to have frequent conflicts and are unable to get along, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A family therapist can work with you and your children to identify the underlying issues and develop strategies to promote positive interactions.
A therapist can also help you and your children learn effective communication skills and problem-solving techniques.
Promoting positive interactions between toddler siblings requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to try different strategies. By setting clear expectations and rules, encouraging positive communication, teaching problem-solving skills, spending quality time together, avoiding comparisons, modelling positive behaviour, remaining neutral, providing individual attention, respecting boundaries, and seeking professional help if needed, you can help your children develop a strong and positive sibling relationship that will last a lifetime.
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