5 Secrets to Getting Siblings to Agree

As a mom of three boys that are very close in age, I often find it challenging to get a consensus... on anything. Even picking a movie on family movie night can be difficult. Today I am sharing a few simple tips on getting siblings to agree.


1) Teach compromise - Disagreements aren't always bad. It can be difficult and painful for parents, but learning to compromise is a life skill worth teaching. (And when it doesn't work... you can always try the four other options below.)

2) Take turns - This seems obvious, but it does work. Kids really want to feel that things are "fair", so keep track, and give everyone a chance to have their own way.

3) Get creative - In the past, my husband and I have had to get creative when trying to get our boys to agree. We have even made decisions based on mathematics! e.g. Everyone's first choice gets a 3 points, everyone's second choice gets 2 points, and everyone's third choice gets 1 point. Then, I add up all the values, and the winner is clear.

You could also "make it a game" using a fortune teller. Netflix has one that you can download here.


4) Let everyone win - Sometimes (not always) the best solution is to find a way to let everyone "win". e.g. On a recent vacation, my boys couldn't agree on a movie, so they watched Netflix movies on different devices.


5) Make suggestions that everyone can live with - Sometimes parents have to step in and become mediators. e.g. When choosing a movie for family movie night, I try to make suggestions that everyone will be happy with. (Below, I share a few Netflix titles that kids will have no trouble agreeing on.)


My boys are buddies, and they get along most of the time, but these tips are really helpful on the occasions when they can't agree. What works for you when you are trying to get your kids to agree on something? Leave your suggestions in the comments below. Thanks!


Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure: I receive special gifts and perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

1 comment:

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