Focus on the Family with
Dr. Dobson

I've been very careful to be fair with my children and give them no reason to resent one another. Still, they continue to fight. What can I do?
     The problem may rest in your lack of disciplinary control at home. Sibling rivalry is at its worst when there is an inadequate system of justice among children - where the "lawbreakers" do not get caught, or if apprehended are set free without standing trial. It is important to understand that laws in a society are established and enforced for the purpose of protecting people from each other. Likewise, a family is a minisociety with the same requirements for the protection of human rights. Suppose that I live in a frontier community where there is no established law. Policemen do not exist and there are no courts of appeal for disagreements. Under those circumstances, my neighbor and I can abuse each other with impunity. He can steal my horses and throw rocks through my windows, while I can raid continued...