We’ve all been there. Your kids are fighting AGAIN—this time over something even more frustrating than earlier today. The noise and sour feelings leave you wondering if there will ever be peace in your home. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the understandable reasons kids fail to get along and pitch ideas to fix it.

Why This Matters
Kids who get along now are more likely to stay friends as adults.

Kids Don’t Get Along Because…
1. They both want the same thing: Toys, attention, you name it!
2. They think it’s not fair: One gets something the other doesn’t.
3. They have different personalities: One might be quiet, the other loud, and they clash. 
4. They’re at different ages: A little kid and a big kid want different things and play differently.
5. They haven’t learned how to share or solve problems: They don’t always know how to work things out nicely. 

Practical Tips for Dads

1: Get proactive.
Model how to act during conflict, celebrate their strengths, make sure everyone gets “dad time,” talk about how to get along during calm moments, compliment them when they are getting along, and beware of how life events can impact behavior.

2: Get involved.
Inject yourself when you need to, but stay calm, take breaks to avoid saying things you don’t mean, attack them problem (not them), and find solutions together.

3: Know when it is time to seek help.
Sometimes, constant conflict requires professional help. Seek counsel if there is physical abuse in your home.

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 01:13 | Why Sibling Relationships Matter So Much
Ted shares why helping kids get along is deeply personal for him and how sibling bonds can be the longest relationships in our lives.

01:13 – 02:35 | When “Horseplay” Crosses the Line
The dads unpack research showing that sibling bullying is often overlooked and can lead to long-term emotional harm.

02:35 – 03:09 | Every Family Deals With It
From playful teasing to full-on fights, every parent faces sibling tension and dads need to be ready to respond.

03:09 – 05:04 | Why Kids Don’t Get Along
The hosts list root causes of friction between siblings.

05:04 – 07:15 | The Age Gap Struggle
Bobby and BJ share personal stories about how different life stages can strain sibling closeness.

07:15 – 08:46 | Rejection Hurts Most at Home
Ted reminds dads that rejection from a sibling can sting even more than from peers, making this a crucial area for parent attention.

08:46 – 10:06 | Step 1: Model Healthy Conflict
Dads can show kids how to disagree respectfully by modeling patience, listening, and love in their own relationships.

10:06 – 12:04 | Step 2: Celebrate Strengths and Create “Me and Dad” Time
Giving kids individual attention and regularly pointing out their gifts helps reduce jealousy.

12:04 – 16:10 | Step 3: Teach Through Calm Moments
Instead of lecturing mid-fight, the dads suggest using peaceful times to teach empathy.

16:10 – End | Step 4: Know When to Get Help
It’s OK to seek help when conflicts go too far.

APD Pro Move:
Create a family rule or motto for how you plan to treat each other.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.