Homeschooling mom to be.

Sibling Rivalry.

I don't know about you guys, but my home feels like a battle zone lately.  No exaggeration, my two girls can't even look at each other without fighting.  I have no idea where this is all stemming from, but I'm not sure what to do about it.  I talk with them every day about the importance of being kind, treating each other as they want to be treated, etc.  I have had a lot of people suggest I separate them.  I've done this for up to two hours, but as soon as they get back in the same proximity, they're at it again.  It's very tiring.

We made cookies yesterday.  I'm hosting a bridal shower for my sister on Saturday, so our house has been a whirl of activity preparing for it.  It's so exciting!  It's been dragging out the process a bit because every time I settle into something, I have to go separate the girls again.  This is really baffling me.  I have no clue what to try next.  Any suggestions would be welcome.

My husband's business has been looking at some commercial spaces for rent.  If they could move it out of the basement and to a space, that would really be an answer to prayer!  Of course, it would also mean a lot more away time for Daddy for the first little while.  It would increase the number of jobs coming in, but they wouldn't be able to hire someone to take on the excess for a while anyway.  But that's ok, if it means the business is growing and actually has a chance of making it.  Please pray for us in that regard!  Well, I'm off to finish wrapping shower gifts.  My little sister is getting married in two weeks!!!!!

Mama J.

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7:27 AM, May. 28, 2009 .. Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

Hi. No, you are not too late to pray! They are having breakfast right now, and will begin their Bible study in about 30 min. (11:00 eastern time) Thank you much!

I am running and about to go pray, but will come back and read your post this afternoon. I see the subject is sibling rivalry....I can relate to that one!

Letitia

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1:43 PM, May. 29, 2009 .. Posted by Lilyofthevalley4

I hope all goes well with the shower.

Prayers are with you. I know it is difficult to live with parents or in laws. Hope the business does well.

My parents are living with us right now and it is going pretty good, but I do miss our own "space." This is just temporary....

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4:06 AM, May. 30, 2009 .. Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

I can certainly relate to the sibling rivalry! My younger two go through stages of that. It has been bad lately, although, a little better the last few days. I know you have been under a lot of pressure and stress with your living situation. Do you think they are picking up on that, and causing them to be stressed? I also know for my two, if they have too much free time, or especially if the oldest of the 2 gets bored, things start progressing. She starts aggravating the younger one, and younger one gets really mad. We, too, have been doing a lot of work on self-control. I haven't decided that it's working yet! : o Do they lose treats when they fight? If there is a bigger consequence when they fight, it might have an impact. I warn mine...."If you fight during this time, there will be no computer time for either of you today", etc. You might also consider sporatically (not necessarily every time) rewarding them when they have played nicely together for a time period.
I pray God will bless your home with peace......actually, that's another thing, but you're probably already doing it. Ask God to remove the spirit of decension between them, and give them a friendship and love for each other.
Praying for your husband's business!
Letitia

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6:28 AM, May. 30, 2009 .. Posted by MamaJ

Thank you for your advice. I believe boredom plays a big role in this as well. I know I just need a lot more training for them too. I try to get them to help me with chores, but they don't want to. I should be making them do it anyway. There's no reason they can't do simple chores. I thank you very much for your advice, friends! It's wonderful to know people are praying for us. God bless.

Mama J.