“My kids’ arguing has me at the end of my rope.”

Growing Connected with Dr. Jeffrey and Amy Olrick

This week's question is about a sometimes-too-familiar subject: sibling rivalry. We discuss how to help kids learn to negotiate their differences on their own and the importance of removing yourself from the role of judge. Don’t miss the God Moment at the end, when Lindsay Durrenberger shares about a remarkable encounter she had on the night after she’d been diagnosed with cancer.

Here’s the question:

"My kids arguing has me at the end of my rope. They’re pretty young still—5, 7, and 9, and the constant bickering over meaningless things has me wanting to scream. I feel like I’m always mediating their problems, and I’m exhausted. I don’t have a close relationship with my siblings and it’s something I’ve always wanted for my own kids. How can I help them get along? Is this level of conflict normal, and is there anything I can do to make it better without losing my mind?"