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Talk to your kids about fighting at a time when they're relaxed and open. Ask them about what other options they might have taken rather than to hit their sister. Help them to brainstorm better solutions.
7. Avoid punishing your kids in general.
Punishing kids usually just creates angry kids who are more likely to fight. Do your best to give choices and give time outs. Punishment may bring short term solutions but will also bring long term problems.
8. Control how you react to their fighting.
When you must intervene, make sure you stay calm. If you're angry and shaming, you actually make it more likely that fighting will occur again.
9. Limit number of fighting opportunities you give your kids.
Think about what has potential to start fights. Don't buy a red ball and a blue ball, this may result in a fight by your kids. Buy two red balls--no fight. Don't have them close to each other when they're tired and hungry if you can help it.
10. Love your kids for all they're worth
Every day tell them you love them and more importantly, show them. Kids who feel loved are least likely to fight. This won't eliminate it, but alternative isn't pretty at all.
Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC, is the author of 25 Secrets of Emotionally Intelligent Fathers (http://www.markbrandenburg.com/e_book.htm#secrets. For more great tips and action steps for fathers, sign up for his FREE bi-weekly newsletter, Dads, Don’t Fix Your Kids, at http://www.markbrandenburg.com