Don't you wish kids came with owner's manuals?? Our 15 yr old and 12 yr old will go through periods where they fight and say horrible things to each other (which we forbid and discipline them for), and then the next minute, they will be off playing together?? From what I can tell, this is normal sibling rivalry. Is it good, no. Do we try to stop it as much as possible, yes. But is it almost inevitable, I think so. Can you fix it? If you find a way, please let me know!! Good luck and God bless!!

Bob

I think it's pretty normal. But that does mean that I would allow it to go on without consequences. I think you should find an age appropriate consequence and be consistent. Also, there's a great book that you might want to read called: Siblings Without Rivalry.

If your husband is modeling agressive behavior it is likely the kids will pick it up. Sounds like you and your husband need to have a long heart to heart talk. It may need to be mediated with a professional. He may know how to put out agressive behavior with in limits but the kids don't know the limits. Your idea of limits may not be his. Teens sure put stress on the mariage.

I don't know how normal it is but my kids do the same. The family is the way the kids experiment to prepare for society. We get to put up with the learning. Hang in there. I would set some safe limits and let them work it out.

Absolutely normal....my boys are 16 and 13, and do the exact same thing all the time. Not much you can do about it, but just let them know that they need to remember that when all their friends may fail them, their brother/sister will always be there for them, and to always rely on their family. And pray:)

I am with you my sister...but what ever you do dont tell her that she reminds you of her father...and when she does that with your youngest, well what I do is say "this is your warning!" and my kids straighten up right away cuz they know that is they dont straighten up I will take all of their electric away...light bulbs, tv, video games, radio, ipod, even their calculater...and then they dont a light bulb in the bathroom for the shower or to use the toilet...and then I tell my child what they have to write me a paper on...like why I am such a good mother or what the true meaning of respect is and they know they can not repeat any words...it really works for me...just my daughter was with out electric for 2 days...and it only took her 1 hour to write the paper...of course guage how much each child should write by their age...Cheryl :)