In June 2025. Scroll.in shared an excerpt focused on handling sibling fights as discussed by psychotherapist and parenting coach Riri G. Trivedi, and parent educator Anagha Nagpal’s new book This Book Won’t Teach You Parenting: But It Will Make You a Better Parent which can be ordered through major bookstores and online platformsDrawing on their combined experience guiding families, the authors explained that many disputes between siblings are less about the issue at hand and more about seeking attention or testing boundaries. They emphasised that parents often unintentionally act as referees, which can reinforce negative dynamics rather than teach children how to resolve conflicts on their own. Their discussion highlighted the importance of shifting parental instincts from solving every dispute to coaching kids toward empathy, emotional regulation, and mutual understanding.
The article then summarises practical strategies from the book to resolve everyday sibling clashes. It suggests that parents recognise why children bicker in the first place and counter this by spending focused individual time with each child. Setting simple ground rules like “no hitting” or “use kind words,” guiding older children through age-appropriate privileges, and encouraging kids to think through their own solutions are foundational tactics. The authors stress the value of role-playing and discussing emotional needs once tempers cool, which helps children practice problem-solving and develop empathy. Examples from Anagha’s own experiences with her twins illustrate how shifting from solving problems to facilitating calm conversation can make a meaningful difference.
Ultimately, Riri and Anagha remind parents that staying neutral, consistent, and calm transforms sibling quarrels into opportunities for growth rather than recurring battles. If parents play favourites or take sides, it can prolong rivalry well into adulthood. However, by guiding children to express feelings, listen to one another, and collaboratively find solutions, many siblings learn to settle their own disagreements over time and may even look back on their childhood fights with humour. This balanced approach not only fosters independence but also nurtures emotional resilience in children.
Rooted in global research and enriched with real-life stories, this book provides a practical framework for positive parenting within the Indian cultural context. It offers timely, age-appropriate strategies to navigate every stage of your child’s journey. It also guides you in healing from your own childhood wounds and breaking unhelpful patterns through meaningful self-reflection exercises. Additionally, it includes a toolkit that guides parents in spotting neurodevelopmental disability/dysfunction symptoms in their child early-on and knowing when to seek professional support. This Book can be ordered through major bookstores and online platforms.
Additional links
Parenting style and its influence on children’s mental health
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