Sibling Without Rivalry!

Just finished reading this book that I borrowed from the library called "Sibling without Rivalry". This is a really good book that I would strongly recommend parents with children who are constantly fighting or conflicting to read! If you have not noticed, I've developed an interest over the years to read a lot of parenting books and trying to keep myself sane from using tactics from the books to create a more peaceful atmosphere at home as much as I can. However, I must admit that reading is one thing and actually doing and keeping consistent with the tactics is another. It is hard to remain calm and remember to use different tactics as opposed to verbally reprimand or even physical punishment when I am in a fit of anger and react naturally. More often than not, I feel guilty after that and banged my head on the wall and tell myself not to repeat that again. I must say I feel more and more in control of my anger in relation to my kids' mischievious acts over the past year and it began to dawn upon me more that what I've read in some books is really true and some tactic works.

Sibling Without Rivalry is one book that I chanced upon when surfing on Amazon, trying to find books to help me on sibling rivalry issues at home. I had wanted to purchase this after reading so many positive reviews on amazon but stopped myself (didn't want to waste money just in case its not my kinda book). Instead I went to the library and found the same book and got it reserved. When I got hold of the book after the Beijing trip and started reading, I was rather taken aback by how the writers relate stories and tactics to our everyday lives. Instead of the usual theories and research numbers, the writers wrote this book based on the classes they conducted and stories and feedback and real happenings that they have gathered from parents and even kids. In reading all these stories, it made a real good impression on my mind as these little scenarios are always happening in my own home with my kids saying exactly the same words and demanding the same things from me or their siblings. After reading how the other parents felt and reacted and the results they gotten from their children, I am convinced that the tactics are actually helpful in reducing conflicts and best of all, even if conflicts are not reduced, the siblings actually learn how to accept their differences and make leeway for each other when they recognize that they are actually different beings. There are some pointers that I found really helpful but I have not gotten down to jotting them down but once I do so, I might just post them here :P Meanwhile I strongly encourage everyone to grab a copy and read it!