S2E7 - Navigating Sibling Conflict: Listener Q&A with Hayley

Apr 4, 2024

Hayley, a listener from Australia, seeks advice on handling sibling conflict. The host emphasizes the use of neutral phrasing, understanding birth order dynamics, providing alternative choices for behavior, and keeping interventions brief. The episode underscores the complexities of parenting and the importance of responding to children's needs effectively.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Navigating Sibling Conflict

01:58 • 12min

Navigating Sibling Conflict Through Understanding Motivations and Providing Choices

14:00 • 2min

Effective Communication for Engaging Children

16:10 • 2min

Effective Communication and Limit Setting for Parenting Success

18:30 • 3min

In this episode, I answer a question from Hayley in Australia, dealing with a common issue many parents face: sibling conflict. Hayley has been diligently applying the principles we discuss here, such as getting down to her children's level, validating their feelings, and setting limits, yet she’s not seeing the positive changes she hoped for, especially when it comes to her children hitting each other. I address the importance of neutral phrasing in limit setting, the impact of birth order on sibling dynamics, and the necessity of providing alternative choices to undesirable behavior. I also touch on the significance of keeping our interventions brief and to the point, as our children’s attention spans are limited. If you're grappling with similar challenges or have any questions about parenting, I encourage you to reach out to me at brenna@thekidcounselor.com or leave a voice message at (813) 812-5525. Also, remember to subscribe to our newsletter at www.playtherapyparenting.com for more insights and resources. If you subscribe today, I'll send you a video of a workshop I conducted on Birth Order... a topic I discussed in today's podcast! This episode is a testament to the complexities of parenting and understanding and responding to our children’s needs. Thank you, Hayley, for your vulnerability and for allowing us to learn from your experiences. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/ My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/ My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G. L. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.