I grew up with a lot of teasing and fighting. I used that experience to train my own kids to get along. My approach boils down to a zero tolerance policy prohibiting early abusive interactions. The type of ‘joking and playing’ that is really abuse-with-a-smile that inevitably ends in tears. I’m simplifying though.

Over the years family friends have repeatedly commented on how well they get along (they are 11 & 13 now) but I just see the byproduct of strict training. And it hasn’t stopped, because as they age and make new friends, they develop new mean spirited habits.