Should I always intervene when my children argue?

Not always, and part of this workshop covers how to judge when stepping back actually helps children build problem-solving skills. Safety and fairness still matter, so we also cover clear situations where stepping in immediately is the right call.

My children are close in age and seem to argue constantly. Is that normal?

Frequent conflict between closely-aged siblings is very common, often because they are at similar developmental stages competing for similar things. We look at ways to reduce the frequency, though occasional conflict is a normal and even useful part of sibling relationships.

How do I stop favouring one child during an argument without meaning to?

We discuss common unconscious patterns parents fall into, such as assuming the older child is always responsible, and how to approach conflicts more evenly regardless of birth order.

What if there's a big age gap between my children?

The general problem-solving principles apply across age gaps, though expectations for sharing and independence will differ significantly. We cover how to adjust your approach depending on each child's developmental stage.

Can this help with more physical conflict, like hitting or pushing?

We cover strategies for managing physical conflict safely and calmly, including how to intervene appropriately and support both children afterwards. Persistent physical aggression may also benefit from a closer look at underlying triggers in a private session.

For parents

Sibling Conflict and Problem-Solving

Sibling conflict is one of the most common daily stresses for families, and it is easy to end up refereeing the same argument over and over. This workshop looks at what typically drives conflict between siblings, including sharing and frustration, and how to teach children to problem-solve and repair rather than relying on you to resolve every dispute. You will leave with a practical approach for stepping back appropriately.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

Parents of two or more children, roughly aged two to ten, who want calmer, less frequent conflict and children better able to work through disagreements themselves.

What we cover in the hour

Common root causes of sibling conflict at different ages.
How sharing expectations differ by developmental stage.
Managing frustration in the moment without taking sides too quickly.
Teaching basic problem-solving language children can use themselves.
Guiding a repair conversation after a conflict has settled.
Knowing when to step in immediately and when to let children work it out.

What you'll leave with

A framework for deciding when to intervene and when to step back.
Simple problem-solving language to teach your children directly.
A short repair-conversation structure for after conflicts.
Age-based guidance on realistic sharing expectations.
A take-home booklet with sample scripts for common sibling disputes.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes sample scripts for common sibling disputes, an age-based sharing expectations guide, and a repair-conversation template.

This workshop connects to the Aistear theme of Identity and Belonging, supporting children in building relationships with siblings and learning to negotiate and repair within the family unit.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Sibling Conflict and Problem-Solving
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

Should I always intervene when my children argue?: Not always, and part of this workshop covers how to judge when stepping back actually helps children build problem-solving skills. Safety and fairness still matter, so we also cover clear situations where stepping in immediately is the right call.
My children are close in age and seem to argue constantly. Is that normal?: Frequent conflict between closely-aged siblings is very common, often because they are at similar developmental stages competing for similar things. We look at ways to reduce the frequency, though occasional conflict is a normal and even useful part of sibling relationships.
How do I stop favouring one child during an argument without meaning to?: We discuss common unconscious patterns parents fall into, such as assuming the older child is always responsible, and how to approach conflicts more evenly regardless of birth order.
What if there's a big age gap between my children?: The general problem-solving principles apply across age gaps, though expectations for sharing and independence will differ significantly. We cover how to adjust your approach depending on each child's developmental stage.
Can this help with more physical conflict, like hitting or pushing?: We cover strategies for managing physical conflict safely and calmly, including how to intervene appropriately and support both children afterwards. Persistent physical aggression may also benefit from a closer look at underlying triggers in a private session.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Behaviour is communication · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

Trusted early years resources

Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

Workshop themes · Book a date · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog · FAQ · About Amy