This is just normal sibling banter. It doesn’t stop. My kids are 25 and 28 and they still love to stir each other up. It’s usually pretty harmless

Unless it develops in to really nasty taunting, with hurtful comments and possibly physical confrontations, I wouldn’t be too worried about it. Kids will always wind each other up, and love to compete. 99% of them grow out of it … eventually.

Hi, I know it is completely frustrating seeing your offspring fight with each other. I have 3 girls aged 16, 15 & 10 & my first 2 are exactly 11 months apart. I’m a single Mum and have been most their life. What I’ve found to work for me is having a lot of one on one time with each. If you can allocate each with special time with Mum I’m sure they won’t compete so much. I spend time with one just chilling out on my bed, talking & doing eachother’s nails & then i’ll be spending time with the next just walking the dogs and having a chat. It doesn’t have encroach on your on time (as our own time is limited) It’s just allowing time to do thigs seperately with each so they have a chance to “chat” hope it helps!

And this has only just started? HAHAHAHAHA give it another year or two and they will be friends again. If they play up too much hand cuff them together until they sort it out.

Its the luck of the draw sometimes with kids…they will either be loving and supportive or they will feel like its always a struggle to be top dog but sadly it would have been ingrained in them from a young age so you most likely find that when they are in their 30’s they will still be this way and there in not much you can do.

I’d say make them pick diffrent sports as then
Neither can say they are better than the other, as they are so similar they probably want to be good at jist 1 thing the other isnt.

That’s normal I would jus let it b. unless on is not copeing?

Hope things went well with all the useful advice

Ha ha they r old enough to sort it out themselves aren’t they! That’s wot brothers n sisters r for! Annoying each other

get them to do a couple of activities together if its verbal ignore them if its physical then intervene

teamwork activities can have a positive effect, getting them to work together might make a bit of a difference!

I don’t know if it’s worse cause it’s a boy & a girl?

I like kymichelle’s answer, I’d give that a go

I found Kim Michelle’s answers very interesting. I think showing some faith in children and not expecting the worst often produces the best outcomes.

maybe try explaining them that they are part of a team and its a win win situation if they are competing with other families.

I find doing team work is helpful they might surprise you and help each other out. Also have some one on one time with each of them

I have a 12 and 13 year old you “clash” regularly. I’ve found putting them in situations where they need to get on helps. I give them responsibility and let them know that they need to get on to be allowed more responsibility (if that makes sense). For example, I get them to walk to the supermarket together (5 mins from here) with a list and ask them to make sure they get everything on the list and chose something for themselves. I find while they may argue, the seem to enjoy the responsibility and want to impress me (and each other) and it helps them ‘bond” a little. If they can do this without major incident, they can then go to the park together or with friends who are visiting.

I also get them to do the dishes together – one washing and one drying so they have to spend some time together and “get on”. It seems to help too.

Great advice from Spunkychick below. I agree with her. I have learnt not to get in the middle of sibling rivalry because it always ends up with me being blamed for favouring one over the other. I let them work it out, within limits. If it goes to far, I will them them to stop or there will be repercussions. Works for us…most of the time.

Sibling rivalry actually has a lot of benefits for teens. I won’t go into them here. However, here are some ways of handling the situation.
1 – As teens get older, direct mediation is not required, but rules are.
If you jump in to their argument, it might make it worse. It reinforces fighting as a way to get your attention. Of course, there are limits – you cannot allow them to scream at the top of their lungs or hurt each other. Make it clear to your children that physical violence is not allowed. Set up consequences for this rule before the act occurs.
2 – Spend some time alone with each child.
Recognize that each child is different and do something separately that the specific child likes. Everyone has their own talents and interests. Take the time to bring these out in each child. Try not to make one child’s interest more important than the others. Praise each child for who they are and not just for what they can do.
3 – Give Them a Forum.
If your teenagers know that there is a time and a place to air their grievances, they will use it. For example, you could have weekly family meetings or have an open policy to discuss issues after dinner. Insist they are respectful to their sibling as they air their grievances, but do hear them out. No problem is too small.
4 – Recognize cooperative behaviour.
If your teenagers are able to work out a problem, take notice and give some praise. This will reinforce cooperation and help with future ‘battles’.
5 – Give your teens lots of other strategies to cope with the immediate stress caused by their sibling.
i.e. Before you act, take deep breaths.
Don’t let their words get to you
Teach them to pick their fights, is this situation really worth the bother of an argument?
Give them time apart
Try to create as many happy times together as a family, as possible, because these are the times that will remain in your memory when the children have left home!

I remember when we were that age. They were the fun days. My mother had to separate our rooms because we were at each other so often. They may need things that are precious to them to be taken away