Question: When do I know if the sibling rivalry in our home has gone too far?
Answer: While it is natural for there to be a rivalry between siblings, there are times when it goes beyond the normal 'stop looking at me' sibling frustration that drives parents bonkers. If one of your children should get seriously hurt, if it has gone on for too long and you have tried fair and firm discipline or if you are afraid to leave them alone together, then it is time to seek some outside help.
Make an appointment with a family counselor – one that will look at all sides of the situation – and begin writing down when your teens fight, about what and how you handled it. Write down the experience that you felt was over the edge and why you needed to seek outside help. Share this information with the counselor and be open to trying what they recommend.
