Healthy Relationships with Your Siblings

I know that while growing up, your siblings are often the people who make you the angriest, most annoyed, and the last people on your list of people you want to spend time with.  However, they also are the people who most likely will be there for you in the end.  Here are some tips on how to keep the family bond from turning into a family feud!

1.       Make time for each other:  Whether you feel like it or not, I feel that spending time together is essential.  Plan some fun events to do such as playing cards, baking cookies, or going to a movie.  Showing your brother or sister  that you are willing to put all other things aside to spend time with them will really enhance your relationship

2.       Communicate: Taking the time to talk with your sibling is extremely important.  Not only would it be great to talk about all the positive things going on in their lives, but also the hard things.  Learning to be there for each other is beneficial.  Also learning how to communicate about how you are feeling in your relationship with them.  I always do my best to tell my siblings when I appreciate something or when something they said/did hurt my feelings.

3.       Listening:  Learning to communicate is one step, but the second step is listening.  You need to be willing to listen to how your sibling is feeling, even if you don’t agree with them.  If they feel hurt by you it doesn't matter what happened, what matters is that they feel hurt.  Do your best to focus more on their feelings and be quick to apologize.  Siblings seem to always try to justify their actions, but maybe try just saying sorry and see how that changes their response.

4.       Remembering:  It is important to remember the important things going on in their lives like birthdays, big projects, or special events they are participating in... If you can’t physically be there, do your best to write them a note to let them know that you are thinking about them.

5.       Being Trustworthy:  Treat your sibling with respect as you would treat your friend.  Be a faithful friend and don’t take the fact that they are your sibling no matter what for granted.  Also be on time and do what you said you would do with them, the way you would for a friend.

6.       Honesty:   Being willing to be honest with your sibling is a good thing, but also be willing to listen to their honesty to you.

In conclusion, the relationships you have with brothers and sisters are a beautiful thing even if you can’t see it right now.  The fact that they are always there can be hard, but really it’s the best part.  They will always be your sibling.  Take advantage of the fact that you have been given a person who will be a part of your life long term.  Some siblings grow apart as they become adults.  Some of the best friendships I have seen are the ones between siblings who put in the effort to be close and have a healthy relationship.