My ds's are continually arguing, teasing, sometimes hitting (they call it playing when they are caught) They are like 6 years apart. I would think the older one wouldn't get so upset by the younger ds's comments, he is 7. I'm at my wits end with them both. I'm seriously considering counselling for them. I don't know if this is normal sibling rivalry or not. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 12:37 pm:

Normal! My two (6 & almost 8) aren't getting along very well now either, but I'm sure the fact they're out of school and together often has A LOT to do with it. LOL! If we're busy or out and about they're OK but if we're just hanging around the house with no plans they start getting on each other's nerves. I get stir crazy, too!

By Emily7 on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 03:42 pm:

I have been watching my nephews this summer, they are 7 & 11 years old. It is like WW III at my house most days. The 7 year old fights with his brother & my 2 year old son. They are all always going at it. I think it is just boredom & the age. The only one that doesn't get into trouble is my 7 month old dd, but she is scooting along very well so it is only a matter of time.

By Katherine on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 04:00 pm:

Perfectly normal!! Scotty and Gabe bicker alot. It does get worse when they spend more time together. Sometimes "playing" even turns into punching and screaming. They will wrestle, etc. and it turns into a fight.

The only thing that keeps me from thinking that they hate each other is that they would defend each other to the death. If any other kids pick on either one of them, oh boy, watch out. Also, when one is sent to their room, the other comes and pleads their case.

Sometimes though, you would think that they are mortal enemies.

Don't worry, maturity makes it alot better. It was worse when they were younger, and it seems to get better the older they get. Especially with Scotty who is now 11. I am able to sit him down and reason with him.

Hang in there, it gets better, I promise!

By Momaroze on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 04:36 pm:

Whoosh! I feel a little better. I will feel alot better when they grow out of this stage though!! I do feel like they hate each other. I don't know much about boys because I only had sister's. My dh said this was normal but he isn't around the ds's as much as I. I try to separate them as much as possible these days. Life is a little easier that way!!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 09:06 pm:

That would be typical. And if you were to ask stay at home moms most are ready for school to start back up for this very reason. LOL As the summer months drag on they get tired of being around each other 24-7.

By Sue3 on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 10:12 pm:

Mamaroze , when I read your post I thought it discribed my 2 dd`s to a T!
So it`s just not a boy thing. LOL !
My dear sweet friend offered to invite BOTH my dd`s over to spend the night at her house tonight.*sigh* it is so peaceful here with just me and dh and ds.I can concentrate on one thing with out getting interupted to break up an arguement.One more month , one more month....we can make it!

By Momaroze on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 10:32 pm:

One more month....Ah yes! LOL.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 08:38 am:

I'll be silently cheering when the kids go back to school BUT I don't want to wish summer away. It's my favorite season! LOL!

By Audreyj on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 01:20 pm:

I have two and they fuss. What is funny to me is that while it seems perfectly okay for the "older" to "tease" the younger and for the "younger" to constantly tattle and torment the "older" they both will take up for each other against any other aggressor.

Not only that, but they will fuss and then, if I put one in "time out" the other one will come and beg me to let her "playmate" out of time out so they can be together again!!!

Too funny!

Unless there is blood, broken bones, crying (excessively) or intentional meanness I try to let them work these things out for themselves. I think it helps them learn to function in society in the future. Hope that helps!