Arguing with siblings is common, especially in kids, but what has been deemed to be something as trivial as toy-snatching may have a greater effect on children’s well-being, ScienceDaily.com reports.

Researchers from the University of Hampshire led by associate professor of family studies Corinna Jenkins Tucker studied the data of 3,599 children from one month to 17 years old, primarily focusing on three forms of aggression: physical assault, property aggression, and psychological aggression.

The results revealed that 32 percent of the participants experienced some form of sibling aggression, and that those between ages one month to nine years old experienced greater mental distress than those from 10 to 17. And although peer aggression is normally viewed to be graver than sibling aggression, property and psychological aggression from siblings and peers or bullies resulted in similar negative effects.

This comes as a reminder to parents not to dismiss little spats so easily and to show loving discipline to both parties during sibling fights. Proper mediation and explanation can help a great deal in creating better relationships and a harmonious home environment.

(Photo by Alec Couros via Flickr Creative Commons; used for illustrative purposes only)