Help with major sibling issues?

Question

Okay so the ages are as follows:

baby- girl

10- girl

12- girl

16- girl

17- boy

18- girl (last year of high school)

So, they are all half siblings who live pretty much only with their dad and step mom because of distance (they have a stable home life, they just say "my sister" not "my half-sister" so it's not like they all fell like they're from different camps). They fight all of the time though. Even if two aren't in a fight they will pick sides in another fight or bother each other until something happens. No one shares. We're not crying everyday or anything. It's just normal sibling stuff x5. I need some strategies on how to promote a feeling of camaraderie (if possible) or just discourage the attitude problems!

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I live in a large family..we are 5 boys and 1 girl (the youngest).  One thing which is great for us is to play board games and cards.  We also do well taking walks and bike riding together.

It seems like the more people stay in their rooms and play video games, the farther apart we act.   Several of us older kids read this great book called the Anatomy of Peace.  It was about having a peaceful heart.  I tried having a peaceful heart towards my brothers and sister.  It has really helped cause it takes at least 2 people to fight.  I have started  saying my truth once and then accepting other people's right to be wrong.  As I change everyone else seems to get along better.  Good luck!

Answer 2

This is going to sound harsh, but you can't change them. They can only change if they want to change. In the meantime the best thing you can do is bring it up with your parents and hope they talk to them about it.