One of the goals of raising children is to increase their independence. As children gain independence, they can solve more of their own problems. For siblings, we hope they will learn to resolve conflicts between each other more independently as well.   

Summertime is upon us! For those of us highly affected by a school calendar, the summer provides a break from the typical schedule. Children especially can have a lot of unstructured time. I have fond memories spending my summer vacation as a child on road trips, visiting friends, and going on more than a few visits to the swimming hole! While many consider this break a much-needed reprieve, summer can present some pitfalls.