Ready-Made Scripts

In the heat of sibling warfare, your brain freezes. Having rehearsed scripts means you do not have to think — you just respond.

For physical fights:

• "I'm stopping this because bodies need to be safe. Take your corners."
• Wait 60 seconds, then: "Ready to try talking instead of hitting?"

For verbal attacks:

• "Ouch. Those words hurt. Can you say what you need without the meanness?"

For possession battles:

• "I see two kids who both want the same thing. I'm setting a timer — five minutes each. Who goes first?"
• Or: "This toy is causing a problem. It's going on vacation until you two have a plan for sharing it."