Jiji turns five on April 18th and Dedek turns four on Nov, 21st. They got along beautifully until last year. Now it seems they fight all the time over toys, cartoon channel and who look alike Barbie (Can you imagine how complicated to be a judge!). Most of the time, I keep an eye on things but
try to stay out of the fight by reminding myself that they usually can
resolve it themselves.
If they can’t
resolve a conflict on their own, I act first as a mediator, teaching
them how to listen to one another’s point of view. I help them
brainstorm solutions and negotiate. If they force me into taking a
stand, I simply try to
give each girl the love and support she needs. I also try to reserve
some time for myself each day when I tell the girls I’m “off duty.”
Now and then, Jiji forgets her
strength and gets too pushy with her younger sister. Sometimes it’s
best for me to ignore their arguing, and other times I need to step in
and send them to their rooms to cool down. Different methods work
better at different times. They aren’t the same every day, and neither
am I. If I’ve had an easy day, then I can be more tolerant and patient.
Good thing is they sleep together sharing pillow and blanket!
