Perhaps the most frustrating thing about children is when they are always at logger-heads with each other. Conflicts tend to become even more bothersome for parents when they have to step in reluctantly yet inevitably to become the peacekeepers of battles and brawls between their children. After a day of fighting, whining, tattling, temper tantrums, and pouting, parents tuck their children into bed with a deep sigh and hope for a better day tomorrow. A few of many ways to reduce conflicts at home with your kids are as follows.

Schedule “Special Time” With Your Children
Make the extra effort and allocate some time from your daily schedule – no matter how busy – to spend with your children doing some pleasurable activity; pleasurable for both the child and yourself (although more for the child). Scheduling special times not only gives your child something to look forward to but also reminds him/her how much priority we give to their needs.

Planning a special time is no rocket-science. See what your children like and what they love to do. Your son may love stories, buy him some books and introduce him to them. Your daughter may love pretending that she is cooking or cleaning the house. Spend some time with her leading the way. Use your imagination and the interests of your child to learn what your special time should include. Remember, these special times may not be a great deal for you, but for your child it is the time of the day when you are giving him/her your undivided attention and are actually trying to learn what interests him/her. Avoid lectures or giving advice, and focus on listening and enjoying each other. Special times with your child will not only improve his/her communication with you but will also prevent rifts and conflicts with his/her siblings.

Allow Them to be Part of Your Life
If you are joining your kids in their interests why not ask them to join you in your activities. Think of ways that your children can work together to help you with some of the household chores. They can fold the towels and wash clothes. It is amazing how even three year olds can set the table or put away the shoes and clothes into the right spots. You can also encourage cooperation among siblings with family projects such as making a huge painting, acting out a short-play, or holding family cleanup sessions with a special treat to celebrate when the job is done. Do not forget that your children are helping you and trying to have fun at the same time. So remember not to make these projects a strict exercise with many rigid rules and a lot of yelling.

Do Not Forget the Power of Humor!
Sometimes, when everything is going wrong, you need to mentally step out of your crisis of the moment, and see that it may not be all that bad. Humor is one of the greatest gifts we can bring to parenting. It renews our energy and restores our joy in life.

The best advice is, take time to enjoy your little ones at home. They love to be with you and enjoy your company, so lighten up and enjoy them. The conflicts will become fewer and fewer, only if you are willing to make them feel secure and loved at all times.

Source:www.cmsu.edu