The top priority of any parent is to ensure the happy, healthy development of their children. This responsibility however, can become extremely frustrating when instead of having a harmonious relationship, siblings start developing feelings of rivalry, hostility and jealously. If a few simple things are kept in mind the situation can be avoided.

The arrival of a newborn in the family can cause the beginning of rivalry: To avoid trauma to the older child’s psyche, one must prepare him or her much before the birth of the new baby who will now get much of the family attention.

Every child wants individual attention from parents: So make it a point to give individual attention to each child as per his or her unique needs.

Never ever compare your children: It is in your power to make each of your children feel spe-cial and unique. Make sure that they know that you love them for their individual selves, not bec-ause they have something that the other does not have or that they do not do something bad that the other one does. Let them know that you love them because of who they are.

Give them the chance to dev-elop their own relationship: Don’t leap in protectively or aggressively every time you see a ‘situation’ developing. It is normal and right for siblings to struggle to find their place in the family. This is how they learn their own and each other’s strengths and weaknesses and adjust accordingly. Step in only when you see things going out of hand.

Listen with sympathy to each child’s point of view: Children will differ in what they consider fair and not fair. Give them a hearing and then patiently ex-plain things

Never sit in judgment: First of all, discourage them from complaining and telling tales about each other. However, if they do come to you, don’t get into details like who started the fight and who said what to whom. Instead, motivate them to talk it out and resolve issues through give and take.