Show your children calm and respectful ways to resolve conflict by acting that way yourself. Sometimes when conflict between brothers and sisters is severe and frequent it can lead to physical and emotional harm. For example when put downs and strong name calling is almost the only way your children relate, when one child is very fearful of the other or physical violence occurs. If you believe your children are harming each other in these ways seek advice about how to protect them and change their behaviour towards each other. You will find some helpful phone numbers at the end of this fact sheet.
Parents help in the learning process by showing children how to behave.
We teach by example. It is important for boys to notice their fathers doing household tasks such as cooking and grocery shopping and for girls to see their mothers carrying out jobs such as home repairs and car maintenance. This will prepare your children to take on a wide variety of roles in their adult lives. Parents and grandparents play a vital role in encouraging children to explore their own heritage, that of their friends and relatives and the broader society. Involve grandparents in family storytelling and sharing memories from the past.