On March 5, our Professional Development Program Manager Coco McAtee appeared on Fox 4's morning news show to discuss sibling rivalry. Click here to visit Fox 4 News.

Playing favorites in a family is dangerous - kids might feel like they're pitted against each other as they vie for mom and dad's attention. On Monday we'll talk about the pitfalls of sibling rivalry and what parents can do to develop your kids' relationships with one another.

Pitfalls of sibling rivalry

• Encourages unhealthy comparisons
• Does not appreciate uniqueness
• Does not promote belonging

How to diffuse rivalry

• Encourage an atmosphere of no "put-downs"
• Compliment your kids when they are cooperative
• Comment on each child's strengths
• Spend one-on-one time with each child
• Provide non-competitive game options

What to do when your children fight

Following are steps parents can take when their children fight, based on how serious the situation is.

Basic bickering

• Let the children try to work it out themselves to learn about resolving conflict.

Escalating argument

• Acknowledge that your kids are mad at each other.
• Summarize each child's viewpoint.
• Comment on the problem respectfully.
• Tell your children that you're confident that they can solve this problem.
• Then, leave.

Starting to get out of control

• Ask your kids if they are playing or fighting.
• Tell them they have to stop if they're not having fun.
• Let them know that their playing is too rough, and ask that they find a new activity.

Situation becomes dangerous

• Comment on what's happening.
• Tell the children to go to separate rooms to cool off.