Children and Fighting

Were the parents present when this was happening between the children?

Yes! Dad just ignored them, and Mom occassionally intervened.

For me, this is the qualifier--parents present, end of story. Sounds kind of cut and dried, but my feeling is if the parents are around, they are in charge, especially if only their own children are involved. Had my children somehow gotten into the fray, then I feel this is now partially in my jurisdiction, so I have a say-so. It does, indeed, sound like there are larger issues here; issues that will have to be dealt with within the family. A bystander intervening might have a very temporary result, but that's it--the proverbial BAND-AID on the bullet wound.

For me, this is the qualifier--parents present, end of story. Sounds kind of cut and dried, but my feeling is if the parents are around, they are in charge, especially if only their own children are involved. Had my children somehow gotten into the fray, then I feel this is now partially in my jurisdiction, so I have a say-so. It does, indeed, sound like there are larger issues here; issues that will have to be dealt with within the family. A bystander intervening might have a very temporary result, but that's it--the proverbial BAND-AID on the bullet wound.

That's kinda how I roll as well.

Who wants to listen to that sheeet all weekend? Not me. How about, "OMG, Please make it stop." That's not being very considerate of others having to listen to your friend's bickering children. Sorry, but my momma woulda just said to go outside where'd we go off and play with our own friends or kill each other one. Fresh air does a child good.
Then if you were in thier home, maybe another option, you coulda started your own bickering, in a joking way, of course, showing them how silly they sound and make them laugh hopefully. Look at someone who will go along and say,"Quit lookin' at me like that." That's always a good'un! If possible just send'em outside or in to another room where you all don't have to hear it. Tell them it's time for the adults to have some space, go out ot to your separate places, we're tired of hearing the bickering, period, not mad, just matter-of-factly. "I love ya'll but I can't take the fighting, go outside and play. Have some fun. Check in in a little while. Sunshine and fresh air are good for you. Take your ball or jump rope or bike Go have some fun. No is not an option." These were school-age children, right?