THE NO-FIGHT FORMULA

Try these sneaky yet practical tricks to keep the peace

1. SET GROUND RULES

Insist that fights will not be physical, or that certain toys need not be shared, or that both sides will be heard when children want to tattle tales.

2. ELIMINATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIGHTING

Even if this means buying items all of the same colour so they are identical. And when dividing treats, one child dishes up, the other one chooses.

3. SECRETLY ENCOURAGE COOPERATION

Let your children take turns choosing an activity/TV programme, but let them know that they either all agree to it or the activity is cancelled for everyone.

4. REWARD POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

Especially unexpectedly. “Wow, you guys shared that water slide so well. That’s put me in such a good mood, I think we should go out to celebrate.”