Dear Family Coach: My children often bicker. I usually intervene whether their squabbles are heated or not. It is exhausting, and I don't think it's helping them get along better. Can I let them sort it out as long as no one is getting hurt? — Mediator

Dear Mediator: Yep. You should let them settle their arguments. One of the biggest benefits of a sibling relationship is that it helps them learn to solve disagreements. It also teaches them to deal with frustration and anger. Even if they can't stand the sight of each other, they still have to sit down at the same table each night for dinner, and they still have to spend family vacations together. Being able to resolve and move on from an argument is priceless in adult relationships. They're learning these skills at a young age. Don't impede their growth.

Negotiation, mediation and compromise are the hallmarks of positive family relationships. However, these skills aren't developed easily when parents interfere with children's natural abilities to solve problems. Some parents have a hard time hearing kids fight because they really want them to have a close bond, when in reality arguing and getting past arguments helps forge a close bond. So step back and let them work things out on their own. You won't be worn out, and you'll help them learn skills that will be beneficial for the rest of their lives.

Dear Family Coach: My husband is impossible to shop for, and my inability to find gifts for him is rubbing off on our daughter. She is paralyzed by gift giving and has no idea what to buy him for his birthdays or Father's Day. How can we make gift giving more meaningful in our household? — Barely Gifted

Dear Barely Gifted: I have to wonder why it's so difficult to find a gift for your husband. Has there been a lack of effort in gift giving or a poor reception of gifts? Does he like your gifts, but he just doesn't gush about them? Or is he a total ingrate? Maybe you aren't a present person. Whatever the reason, you should still be able to teach your daughter the art of gift giving.

Finding the perfect gift for someone is joyous, but that joy only comes with effort. The best gifts are given from the heart. Some are expensive, and some are free. They can be store-bought treasures or homemade creations made of macaroni and Elmer's glue. What makes a gift special is the thought and effort. That's what you should focus on with your daughter. Plan ahead for the next gift-worthy event. Have a powwow to discuss what to get — or better yet make — for your husband. A heartfelt, hand-drawn card, a handwritten poem or a hand-sewn pillow just might make his day. Alternatively, you could plan a fun day out or fly in a chocolate cake from his favorite bakery in his hometown. Whatever you decide, have fun with it and keep the expectations reasonable. If Dad's response doesn't match your daughter's thought and effort, well, he needs a lesson in graciousness. Teach him before the next holiday.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at questions@thefamilycoach.com. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.