A Parent Minute listener emailed me asking how to get her kids to stop fighting. She says they’re at each other from the time they wake up to the time they go to bed. This frustrated mom went on to describe her frustration. How did my wife and I do it? Frankly, we struggled. It seemed like our older three kids never got along together. It was always two against one. This isn’t the only answer, but it helped us 20+ years ago: give them projects to do TOGETHER, keeping in mind each child’s gifts and abilities. Chores, crafts, games—something that requires them to rely on each other to get it done. Then read 1 Peter 4:10: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (ESV). Today, they love each other.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: 1 Peter 4:10