STOP THE BICKERING

Doesn't it just wear you out when your kids bicker all the time? Why do they do it? Why did we bicker and fight as kids? Bickering seems to be inevitable in our homes, but it doesn't have to be.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Check the general atmosphere in your home. Is it positive or negative most of the time?
2. Observe each child and see if they appear unhappy about things.
3. Spend one-on-one time with that child and find out what is bothering them. The child’s 
attitude might change drastically when they are assured that they are loved and valued.
4. Look at your own conflict management as parents. Do you bicker? You don't have to. There are positive ways to settle differences and stop the negativity.
5. Create a 'non-bickering' rule in your home. Develop a formula to resolve issues and train your kids to follow it.

For example, use "The Three Word Rule."

a) STOP - Take a deep breath.
b) THINK - Is this really worth fighting over? Is bickering and arguing solving the issue? NO
c) ACT -  Work together to get what you want. It might be as simple as taking turns.

To attain and maintain a peaceful home you need to to make a strong stand against bickering between family members. It causes no useful purpose and often stems from selfishness. Respect is a huge plus in any family and immediately changes the tone.

Bickering is a symptom of a problem that hasn't been resolved or a factor that has had no discussion or consequence applied. Find the root of the problem and deal with it quickly. After all, we all want a happy, peaceful home, don't we?

By Sally Burgess