Sibling Synergy Parent Reflection Worksheet

Use this worksheet to reflect on your children’s relationships. Complete each section thoughtfully; your responses will help guide your action planning.

Section 1: Observed Sibling Strengths

List three positive patterns or strengths you’ve noticed between your children. For each, describe a specific example.

1. Strength 1:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Strength 2:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Strength 3:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 2: Observed Sibling Conflicts

Identify three recurring conflicts or challenges. For each, describe what typically happens.

1. Conflict 1:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Conflict 2:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Conflict 3:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 3: Reflection Prompts

For each conflict above, respond to the following prompts.

a. What triggers or underlying needs might be contributing to this conflict?

b. How do you typically respond when this conflict arises?

c. What alternative approach could you try to foster cooperation or understanding?

Section 4: Focus Challenge

Based on your reflections, choose one challenge to address in your action plan. Describe it in one sentence and note why it’s your priority.

Selected Challenge:

Reason for Priority:

Section 5: Pair Sharing Highlights

After discussing your reflections with a partner, record any new insights, solutions, or strategies that emerged.

Conflict Resolution Cards

Use these cards during the “Strategies for Cooperation and Conflict Management” segment. Each card presents a technique, a brief description, and a role-play prompt to practice with another parent. Shuffle and let pairs draw at random.

Card 1: Active Listening

Description: Model focused attention—face your children, make eye contact, and reflect back what you hear.

Role-Play Prompt: One parent plays Child A upset about a toy; the other listens, repeats feelings, and asks a clarifying question.

Card 2: “I” Statements

Description: Encourage children to express feelings without blaming—“I feel ___ when ___.”

Role-Play Prompt: One parent plays Child B saying “You always take my toy.” The other rephrases using an “I” statement: “I feel sad when my toy is taken without asking.”

Card 3: Calm-Down Breaks (Time-Ins/Outs)

Description: Teach children to pause before reacting—use agreed signals and time-in (together) or time-out (alone) strategies.

Role-Play Prompt: Parent A plays Child C who is heated; Parent B guides them to choose a calm-down spot and practice breathing.

Card 4: Fair Turn-Taking Agreements

Description: Help siblings negotiate equitable sharing—set timers or use a talking token to alternate turns.

Role-Play Prompt: One parent plays a child hogging the swing; the other introduces a timer and negotiates equal play time.

Card 5: Designated Mediator Role

Description: Assign one sibling or a neutral adult as mediator to guide a fair discussion when conflicts arise.

Role-Play Prompt: Parent A is Child D and Parent B is Child E. Child D insists on TV show choice; Child E calls the mediator (facilitator) to propose a compromise.

Card 6: Shared Decision-Making

Description: Involve siblings jointly in planning chores, play, or routines to build teamwork and ownership.

Role-Play Prompt: One parent plays a sibling discussing weekend activities; the other facilitates listing options and voting together.

Card 7: Empathy Reflection

Description: Guide children to step into each other’s shoes—ask, “How might they feel?” then share responses.

Role-Play Prompt: Parent A plays Child F who grabbed a snack; Parent B plays the other child upset—Parent A practices naming the other’s feeling.

Card 8: Apology & Repair

Description: Teach sincere apologies with name, action, and commitment: “I’m sorry I ___. I will ___ next time.”

Role-Play Prompt: One parent plays Child G who spilled juice; the other plays the affected child; Child G practices giving a complete apology and offering help cleaning up.

Sibling Synergy Action Plan Template

Use this template to turn insights from our session into concrete, measurable steps you can take at home.

1. Focus Challenge & Goals

Selected Challenge (from reflection):

Goal 1 (Specific & Measurable):

Goal 2 (Optional):

Goal 3 (Optional):

2. Action Steps

For each goal above, list the practical steps you will take. Aim for 2–4 steps per goal.

Goal 1 Steps:

Goal 2 Steps:

Goal 3 Steps:

3. Timeline & Monitoring

Target Completion Date for Goal 1: ____________
Check-In Dates:

Target Completion Date for Goal 2: ____________
Check-In Dates:

Target Completion Date for Goal 3: ____________
Check-In Dates:

4. Support & Resources

Who can support you in this plan?
(e.g., co-parent, family member, friend, teacher)

What materials or tools will you use?
(e.g., chore charts, timers, conflict resolution cards)

5. Anticipated Barriers & Solutions

Barrier 1: ____________________
Solution: ____________________



Barrier 2: ____________________
Solution: ____________________



Barrier 3: ____________________
Solution: ____________________

Next Steps & Accountability:
Write a brief commitment statement and plan how you’ll stay accountable (e.g., share with a partner, set calendar reminders).

Sibling Stories Warm-Up

Time: 10 minutes
Purpose: Build rapport, surface common themes in sibling interactions, and set the stage for deeper exploration.

1. Individual Reflection (2 min)

• Ask each parent to think of one memorable sibling moment—positive (e.g., shared laughter) or challenging (e.g., conflict over a toy).
• Jot down a brief summary, including:
  • Who was involved
  • What happened
  • How it felt
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

2. Story Sharing (6 min)

• Form a circle. Each parent has 1 minute to share their story aloud.
• While listening, others write on a sticky note one key emotion or theme they notice (e.g., fairness, teamwork, jealousy).
  
  
  

3. Group Reflection (2 min)

• Facilitator invites 2–3 sticky-note themes to be read aloud.
• Capture these emerging themes on the flip chart to refer back to during the session.

Transition: “You’ve all heard each other’s stories and seen patterns emerge. Let’s explore what drives those patterns and how we can build on strengths while managing challenges.”

Sibling Synergy Cool-Down

Time: 10 minutes
Purpose: Consolidate learning, set commitments, and plan for follow-through.

1. Exit Ticket: Personal Reflection

1. Key Takeaway: What’s the most valuable insight you gained today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Chosen Strategy: Which one evidence-based strategy from our session will you implement first?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. First Action Step & Timeline: What specific step will you take, and by when?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Anticipated Barrier & Solution: Identify one potential obstacle and how you’ll address it.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Accountability Partner: Who will you ask to check in on your progress?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Pair & Share (5 min)

• Turn to your neighbor. Each share one insight and one commitment.
• Offer each other a quick tip or encouragement.

3. Closing Circle (2 min)

• Facilitator invites 2–3 volunteers to name their commitment out loud.
• Remind participants of follow-up resources and check-in dates from the Sibling Synergy Action Plan Template.

Thank you for your engagement—your commitment today sets the stage for stronger, more cooperative sibling relationships at home!