Keep the Siblings, Lose the Rivalry

by Todd Cartmell

For most of us, dreams of family harmony and cooperation often give way to the reality of squabbling and fighting between siblings. In Keep the Siblings, Lose the Rivalry, Dr. Todd Cartmell explodes the myth that parents must sit passively by while sibling conflict runs rampant. Based on solid biblical principles and sibling research, Cartmell provides a ten-step plan that will help you enrich your family soil, plant the seeds of sibling relational skills, and provide an environment that will encourage respectful sibling relationships. Cartmell includes fifteen "ready-to-use" Family Time Discussion Guides and creates powerful object lessons using common household objects such as stinky socks, post-it notes, tennis balls, and tasty treats. With role-plays, Scripture references, and interactive discussion questions, each Family Time Discussion Guide will bring you closer together as a family and improve your children's skills at handling sibling conflict in a respectful way. Practical, down-to-earth, and leavened with Cartmell's dry humor, Keep the Siblings, Lose the Rivalry will equip you to handle the most difficult sibling challenges.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2003

About the author

Dr. Todd Cartmell is a popular speaker and child psychologist who received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary. His books include 8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids, Project Dad; Respectful Kids; Keep the Siblings, Lose the Rivalry; and The Parent Survival Guide. Dr. Cartmell conducts entertaining parenting workshops around the country and maintains a full-time clinical practice in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Reviews

[J. Else · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic pearls of wisdom for parents dealing with frequent sibling disputes. Excellent steps which help to build strong relationships based on respect and understanding and faith. The only part of this book I did not like was the "for a laugh" side bars. As a speaker, Mr. Cartmell is funny, but it did not read well in print. That being said, I love every chapter and the family activity guides which correspond to the chapters in the back of the book. The author gives you an abundance of tools!

Highly recommend! Valuable insights and simple-to-understand steps that are easy to implement into family life.

[Kira Wizner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another piece of research, again, with good sound advice about the bond we can help kids form. There is a bit of a spiritual religious theme that weaves in and out of the narrative fairly smoothly.

[Nicole L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that gives parents insight on how they can create an atmosphere in the home that promotes mutual respect among family members. I would highly recommend this book to all parents.

[Private Account · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great ideas in here!