Rivalry Among Closely Spaced Siblings

If it helps, research shows that there is no correlation between how much siblings argue as children and how close they are as adults. So even if it seems like a constant battleground in your home right now, it's quite possible that the kids will be best friends as they mature.

But how to get through the next few years? First, lower your expectations for how close they should be at this age. Siblings fight—and that's not bad. Remember, as long as it's a "fair" fight (neither child is being bullied, physically or emotionally), these altercations are teaching them how to negotiate, compromise and learn to live with others. Admittedly, it's hard on us as parents to live with these squabbles, but keep in mind that they are learning as they are skirmishing.

One way to reduce the tension level is to treat your kids as individuals. Because they are so close in age, it's often tempting to regard the two kids as a single unit. But that doesn't take into account that they may have different interests and needs. Furthermore, there is still an age difference, and when kids are young, 10 months is a huge gap.

Encourage each child to have a separate personality, interests and friends. They shouldn't have to feel like they have to do everything together. By allowing each of them their own space—literally and figuratively—you will find their times together more peaceful, with less sibling rivalry.