Simple Ways To Encourage A Strong Sibling Relationship
Simple Ways To Encourage A Strong Sibling Relationship
I always knew I wanted to have multiple kids. I loved growing up in a house with siblings. You always had someone to play with and an instant team to do anything with you!Even though we were enemies half the time, I look back and remember how we were there for each other through thick and thin. We could yell at each other, but the second anyone else attempted to, we were there within seconds.I look at my little boys now and know I want the same thing for them. I want them to be best friends that can make it through anything together. I know it's going to take a lot of time and effort to build that relationship, but it's worth it.Here are a few simple things you can do with your kids to help them have a strong relationship.
Encourage Your Kids To Be Each Other's Fan Club
It's easy for siblings to start comparing themselves to each other. They see how good their sibling is at something and wish they could be better. Stop this in it's tracks by encouraging your kids to cheer each other on rather than compare.When their sibling has a big game, go out as a family and cheer them on together. Make sure your kids know how important it is to be their siblings number one fan!
Don't Make Them Do Everything Together
As parents, we want to make things as easy as possible. In doing so, we tend to lump our kids in to the same activities. While it makes it easier for mom's carpooling, it isn't necessarily better for our kids. Our kids have different strengths, passions, and desires. We need to help them to find what it is that makes them happy.When we make our kids do every thing together, it fosters an environment for comparison. By allowing our kids to do different things, we're teaching them to take pride in their unique strengths and passions.
Encourage Them To Be A Protective Unna
One of the biggest lessons we teach our kids is to be a protective unna (big brother). As an older sibling, it's their responsibility to look out for them. This may mean making sure they don't get into too much trouble, standing up for them, or even pushing them to be the best little boys they can be.It may seem like a lot of pressure, but this looks different at every age. As little kids it may just mean helping each other out. As they get older, it will look different again.
Teach Them To Ask Each Other For Help
Often times, one of the last things you want to do is ask your sibling for help. Asking their sibling for help makes them vulnerable. It's vital for your kids to feel comfortable being vulnerable in front of each other.They can be each other's biggest allies in life. If they learn to ask each other for help when they're little, they're going to continue relying on each other as they get older.
Encourage Your Kids To Be Kind
Help your kids find opportunities through out their day to be kind to their siblings. It doesn't have to be a monumental gesture, it can be simple. Teach them to find moments to be selfless and do something to help their sibling.They can find their siblings coat, help them clean up a mess they didn't make, or give them a hug when their sad.
