Sibling Rivalry

I am an only child. Let me assure you now that I’ve managed to grow up to be a fully functioning member of society despite the stereotypes that people love to put on only children! However, as an only child there is one thing that I never had to learn about, deal with, or face in life, and that is sibling rivalry. A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to hear Lisa Whelchel (Blair from Facts of Life) speak at a church in O’Fallon, MO. She has written a number of books including Creative Correction, Speaking Mom-ese and The Busy Mom’s Guide to Prayer. Shortly after beginning her talk she informed us that she would not be talking much on sibling rivalry. I was devastated. After all that was a main reason I had come to see her! Then she confided that part of the reason was that she had no idea what to do about it! I couldn’t decide if that was a comfort to me or if all hope of having a war free zone in my house had just been dashed. She said that if we had a solution we should let her know so that she can write a book about it and make millions!

Top off sibling rivalry with the fact that they are boys…another new adventure for an only child girl…and I’m treading in uncharted territory. Larry is some help but not much. His sister is 5 years younger and while they did fight, they weren’t glued together at the hip like my boys are. He finds himself as confused as I am. We’ve tried every technique, lecture, and scripture known to man but they are all band-aids that eventually wear off exposing that ugly sin nature again. So if you have any ideas or solutions let me know…I’ll write a book about it and make millions!