🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah) · #186
My children and my co-wife's children are always jealous and fighting when they meet. What should I do?
The friction often comes from competing for their father's attention, not because they truly hate one another. Young children count love in a simple way — who is given more time, gifts or praise. Avoid comparing them or taking one side when a quarrel happens. Instead, make sure each child feels seen and valued individually, then give them activities that bring them together, such as cooking or playing together. When they fight, listen fairly to both sides before correcting. With time and even-handed treatment, rivalry usually turns into closeness. See children & polygyny.