I hate to say it, but my children inspired this posting this morning before they left for school. 

Do you have problems with your children bickering or treating eachother unkindly?  What mom doesn't?

Are you ready to give up nagging your kids to get along? See immediate results with these tactics from a mom whose been there.

5 ways to nip sibling bickering in the bud:

Let them know...

1....they are volunteering to do the other child's chore for the day if they say another unkind word.
2....they are volunteering to kiss the other child's feet (if chore is already done) if they say another unkind word.
3....they will list three character qualities they admire about their sibling since they've said unkind words.
4.....they will hold hands and skip back and forth across the front lawn five times together if they can't work things out within one minute (remember to set the timer).
5....they will kiss on the lips if they can't work things out within one minute (you probably won't need the timer if you pull this one out!)

Sometimes bad times calls for drastic measures...and for eight and ten-year-old boys, kissing eachother on the lips is about as drastic as it gets.

  

Dear Brenna: My daughter just turned two and I find myself struggling more and more with impatience and snapping at her in anger. I'm seeing things in myself that I don't like, and I hope I haven't done any permanent damage to our relationship. I'm disappointed and frustrated. - Susan

Dear Susan: I understand exactly where you are coming from. I remember telling my husband when I had three preschoolers at home (one of which was a struggling potty-trainer) that he had the easier job. I told him at least he was dealing with people that could reason. These little three-foot tall persons have the ability to test you to the end of your patience.

Susan, first realize that none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. Apologize when you realized you've spoken in anger to your child when you speak in anger, and pray that God will help you do better next time. This restores your relationship and also teaches your child humility. The words, “I was wrong” are hard to speak, but necessary. Your child will learn to speak those same words if you model it. In twenty years her spouse will thank you for it!