12 yr old boy and 6 yr old girl?

Some people's chemistry is just "off". They may be brother and sister, but it's possible they just won't get along. I think your idea won't work for siblings so far apart in age/interests. It's normal for kids with a six-year age gap to not want to do the same things and not want to be around each other. I know -- my brother and I are six years apart.

I think it's your prerogative, as the parent, to put a stop to the constant bickering. It's dangerous to your mental health and to your whole family. While to many, it is believed that unleashing anger all the time is a healthy way to deal with emotions, I haven't found that to be true. Anger needs to be expressed, but there are less destructive ways than constant fighting. I think people who think it's healthy are the types that are so belligerent they can't keep jobs, relationships, etc. throughout adulthood because they are always looking for a fight. No one wants them around.

I'd insist that if they can't like each other, they at least have to respect each other. No more fighting! If they can't say something nice to each other, then back off of each other until they can. Your home deserves peace and so do you.

For the girl: As far as I know, most girls at that age like Hannah Montana, and I'm pretty sure they make hannah montana dolls. So perhaps that, or other Hannah Montana merchandise? Also, a friendship bracelet kit, or other jewelry kit, they tend to be below $20. OR, perhaps nail polish or little age appropriate make-up kits. I'm sure it would be fun for her, and perhaps a family member or nurse can help her paint her nails, and put on lip gloss. For the boy: I really am not so sure what 12 year old boys like, so I'm not going to have as many as for the girl. BUT, maybe a soft football he can just play catch with somebody. Just make sure it's a soft one! Don't need any broken hospital equipment! Another thing is small handheld video games. Some types can be cheaper than $20. Monopoly, and puzzles, can be big hits too, as well as a whole bunch of other board games.

I would suggest instead having them spend the day (or better yet, some days) together doing something they both like to do (board games/ a movie/ a walk in the woods/ camping out in the back yard/ etc.). Odds are doing something the other kid likes and they don't for a number of hours is just going to make them resentful.

You can also encourage each kid to secretly do nice things for the other. Kids often have fun with that sneaking around business, and also start feeling a little more charitable in general.

I wouldn't recommend it. Even though I'm not a mother, I have 6 siblings. I'm the oldest so I have to be responsible(ish) and get along with everyone. As for the rest, is just no way to get around it that they don't get along.

My mom always says to them "______ and ________ you don't have to agree on everything, but do have to be respectful of each other."

It works a lot of the time! Sometimes when it gets really crazy have one go play in one room, and one in the other (you not in any of them so they don't think your giving attention to one specifically). After an hour or so of playing by themselves, they will be happy they have each other.

I can't see any good coming of that.

Is there a way you can have them each doing their own thing without the other getting in the way? Sounds like they're just getting ratty being around each other all the time. The twelve-year-old especially is going to start wanting his own space and not have his little sister hanging around all the time.

Uuhhmm..drop back 10 yards kick the ....no not the kids or the cat.

I don't know how i was in your house growing up but us kids were always fighting. And Mom was always saying just wait until your dad get home!!

My 2 girls were the same way. Ya know what? Us kids get along like...well brothers and sisters.

And my girls get along fine as long as there not under the same roof to long. I f you can keep from taking them to the river of no return

The'll grow up to just love each other to pieces.

Don't force your 12 year old son to play with Barbies. While I've no problems with it, he does. Let them have their space.If you really want to make them spend time together then just have neutral games. Go out for a walk/cycle, play board games or video games. Don't force them to do anything.

Interesting idea, why don't you have a conversation with each of them individually, casually say, You and ..... don't seem to be getting on, is there a reason for this? Do you feel I give .... more attention?

In a sense, it is a no-win situation.