S4E17 - How Do I Stop My Kids From Tattling on Each Other?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist · Oct 8, 2026 · 12m · transcript

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose 3- and 5-year-old children are constantly tattling on each other over every little thing. I explain why telling young children to "work it out" usually doesn't work—they simply don't have the developmental capacity yet to reason through sibling conflict on their own. Instead, I share how parents can use clear, consistent choices to help children begin developing self-control and responsibility without turning Mom or Dad into the household referee.

I also talk about the importance of keeping consequences immediate and age-appropriate…