Reluctant Referees

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Of course, there's a divide between normal bickering and abuse. Battling it out over toys or calling each other meanie should clearly be handled differently from cases when one child, usually the younger one, is consistently victimized, or verbal or physical harassment becomes vicious. Faber suggests that parents use common sense and find a middle ground between hovering and neglect. The key is to pay close attention. Says Faber: "There's no substitute for your own sensitivity."