Why does my son misbehave with his sister?

Q: My 11 years old son has been grabbing and smacking my 13 years old daughter in the butt. I don’t know why he is doing this. My daughter feels this is a serious problem and thinks he needs to see a doctor. What do you think I should do?

A:Your son's behaviour could be due to several reasons. Besides sibling rivalry, it may be happening because he is entering into adolescence and is probably exploring options of touching a female body. The best way of dealing with it would be to talk with him in a serious manner about his reasons for it. Explain to him clearly that such actions are unacceptable. Do not be judgmental, but keep communication channels open. Help him to understand that there can be other ways of handling sibling rivalry or any other kind of frustration. Talk to your daughter to be patient yet firm with him.