The hidden benefits of conflict.

One of the most annoying things about having three boys is their constant squabbling, fighting, and conflict. Oh, don’t get me wrong, there are stretches sometimes as long as 8 or even 9 seconds when silence rules, but most of the time, not so much. One benefit of so much conflict, of course, is they all learn better how to deal with conflict. But another benefit of it is better parenting by us.

See, when Spencer mistreats Ethan, it requires us to intervene and guide him toward better character. But what if Ethan weren’t around? Well, it would be easier for us, of course, because there would be less conflict. But this absence of strife would actually be a great loss for us as parents. Without so much constant provocation, Spencer’s real character would much more easily remain hidden from our view and thus go uncorrected, perhaps for his entire life.

I guess what I’m saying is that there are important but hidden benefits to giving a child siblings to bicker with.