Diversion Tactics

Every parent understands the frustration, when your little angels, who have been playing happily together (a ‘didn’t we do well’ moment), suddenly turn and begin bickering. After a long period of good behaviour, it seems such a shame to have to assume refereeing duties again.

Instead of growling and grumping, another option is to employ diversion tactics; positively direct your bickering children into another activity, designed to create harmony. It may take a little persuasion to get headstrong siblings, determined that each is absolutely in the right, to see the merits, but persevere!

Here are a few suggestions to begin with. We’d love to hear any others you may have!

– Put on some music and suggest they ‘dance it out’ for five minutes. At the end of five minutes, they are allowed to choose a song each, if things are gong well…

– Ask them to prepare each other a drink or simple snack

– Get out a favourite book and have them read or describe a page each at a time to each other

– Draw a picture of each other

– Ask them to make up a song that they can perform together

– Run around the house five times holding hands

– Tell each other a secret

– Do something kind for each other

– Make a card/poem/write a story for each other

– Give each other a two minute back rub

If your cunning plan works, they should be back to being friends in no time – and often these positive activities will lead into the next game.

For older children/teens:

– Share their devices for 10 minutes

– Make each other’s beds

– Decide on a dinner menu and make a start

– Go for a bike ride

– Find a large old t-shirt and make them wear it together, for five minutes (this is funny and so good for co-operation!)

– Ask them to list three positive things about their sibling

– Clean the car together

– Help each other with homework

– Do 10 sit ups, 10 star jumps and 10 push ups

– Hold a two minute hug