The sound of raised voices fills the air -- your children are squabbling again. Should you intervene? Here are tips from child psychiatrists:

• Don't stop every argument. Children need to learn to negotiate.
  
• Step in immediately if they are hurting each other or you suspect bullying.
  
• When you do intervene, describe what each child is doing to the other, what each might be feeling and what might be a fair solution. Even better, get them to do this themselves. Say you believe they can sort it out and give them time to try again.
  
• Offer some age-appropriate ways of dealing with anger: walk away; use words instead of fists; take turns; count to ten; think first; try to see things from the other's point of view.
  
• Don't solve their fights over possessions by providing two of everything. It's better that they learn to share.
  
• Try not always to blame the older kids. Younger children can be very frustrating -- and in the wrong.
  
• Make your own handling of arguments a model for your children to follow.