Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Bonding with siblings
• Method 2 of 3: Support siblings
• Method 3 of 3: Keep the peace
• Tips
• Warnings

Whether you are the older, middle, or youngest sister, being a good sister requires tolerance, patience, and a willingness to spend time with other members of the family. Communicating with your siblings will create closer bonds that can help you get through both good and bad times. Of course, siblings can argue, but as long as you approach conflict in a healthy and mature way, you will find that the relationship with your siblings grows stronger.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Bonding with siblings

1. Communicate with them often. Whether you live in the same house or across the country, regular communication is important in forcing a family bond. Stay in touch with siblings any way you can.
   • Text or Facetime them once a week if they live far away.
   • Eat together if you live nearby.
   • Text them to let them know you're thinking about them.
   • Send photos they might find funny.
   • Send a card.
2. Spend time together in fun activities. When you are together, schedule some time together. You can go out or stay in and just hang out. Do something you will all enjoy. For example, you can undertake the following activities:
   • Watch a movie together.
   • Play a board game or a video game.
   • Play a sport together.
   • Take a walk after dinner.
   • Go to the beach.
   • Eat out.
   • Cook together.
   • Arrange an arts and crafts evening.
3. Find out what's important to them. You and your siblings may have different tastes, hobbies, and habits, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy them. Find out what they like or consider important. Ask if you can participate next time.
   • For example, if your brother likes to play soccer, ask them when the next game is so you can cheer him on.
   • If your sister likes to play video games, ask her to teach you how to play a favorite game.
   • If a brother loves a particular band, suggest going to a concert together.
4. Think of birthdays and special occasions. This is an easy and thoughtful way to show that you care about a sibling. On a calendar, mark any special occasions that are important to your siblings, such as birthdays, weddings or graduation. Buy a ticket and a small gift to let them know you're thinking about them.
   • Choose a gift that is meaningful to your sibling. For example, if your brother is in ballet, you can give him a ticket to go to the local ballet.
   • Gifts don't have to be expensive or elaborate. You can even make your own gift.

Method 2 of 3: Support siblings

1. Help siblings when they need it. Whether they are struggling with school, work, or personal issues, they can benefit from their sister's love and help. If they need help, help them any way you can.
   • Don't wait for them to ask you for help. If it seems like they are having a hard time, reach out to them. You can say, "Hey, are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help? "
   • Sometimes a sibling doesn't want you to interfere. Then respect that decision, but say you're there if he or she changes his or her mind. You can say, "I understand. Just let me know if you ever want my help. "
2. Compliment them on their best qualities. Don't hold back from noticing the skills and accomplishments of siblings. Let them know when you are proud of them or what you admire about them.
   • If you know they are insecure about something, make them a little more optimistic by expressing your admiration. If your brother is worried about getting into college, you can say, "You worked so hard! Whatever happens, I know you'll do well. "
   • Congratulate them on their achievements. If a sibling wins a prize, let him or her know how proud you are.
   • Give them examples of how their good qualities positively influence and affect you.
   • Let them know when they do things that inspire you. If a sibling persists with something, even when things go against the grain, share how it inspired you to keep going on with something you found difficult, and that you think it is an admirable quality.
3. Appreciate your sibling for what they do for you. If a sibling is helping or supporting you, express your gratitude. Let it be known that you consider his or her presence in your life very important.
   • For example, you could say, "Thank you very much for always listening when I need to talk." It makes me so happy to know that I have a brother (or sister) like you. "
4. Listen if they need to talk. When things happen in life, talking to a sibling can be of great help. You can get your siblings to open up to you by opening yourself up first. Be willing to share things and listen to what they want to share.
   • Sometimes someone just needs someone to listen, not give advice. Before sharing your wisdom, ask, "Do you want my advice? If your sibling says no, just listen. "
   • Let them know you are listening by occasionally repeating things they say. For example, you can say, "I get it. So your boss passed you for the promotion? "
   • Keep secrets that you are told. The only exception is that someone is likely to be endangered by keeping a secret.
5. Stand up for siblings. If a sibling is having trouble with someone, ask them what you can do to help. They may ask you to talk to the other person or help you file a complaint. If he or she asks you not to get involved, you can still provide emotional support by always being ready for a conversation.
   • When siblings argue with each other, don't try to take sides. Instead, act as a mediator to enable a win-win situation.

Method 3 of 3: Keep the peace

1. Set your limits before problems arise. Don't expect your siblings to read your mind. Let them know in advance how to respect your space and your belongings. Tell them in person or post a plate.
   • For example, if you buy specialty coffee, you can decide that you don't want other people to drink it. Tell siblings to ask for permission before using the specialty coffee.
   • You can also ask them to respect your personal space and free time. You could say, "When I get home from school, I need 30 minutes to relax on my own. Then please don't bother me.
2. Deal with conflict in a calm manner. If an argument arises, try to stay calm. Yelling or whining will not help you or your siblings solve the problem. Speak evenly, don't blame or blame others, and try to focus on solving the problem.
   • Speak calmly and stick to the facts. If you find yourself losing your temper, ask for a time out and move to another room to calm down.
   • If the problem is minor, try to laugh it off and leave it alone.
   • Do not always bring up previous conflicts with a new argument. This will only stir up resentment. Instead, focus on the issue at hand.
3. Don't tease your siblings about sensitive topics. Teasing is very common in a family relationship, but you should make sure you never bring up a topic or make fun of anything a sibling is sensitive to. For example, if your sister is unsure about the way she dresses, don't make fun of her style.
4. Learn to compromise. Sometimes you have to compromise to avoid an argument. If siblings come into conflict, see if you can find a solution. Remember, compromise is a two-way street. You should both give in a little.
   • For example, if you both want to be in the bathroom for 20 minutes, but a sibling has to use the room at the same time as you, cut the time for each of you in half, instead of giving up your time.
5. Give siblings space. The time you spend together is great, but so is time for yourself. When you are close, anyone can feel trapped. Instead, respect it when siblings need time alone and time with friends.
   • Do not touch or use siblings' belongings without their permission. Also, make sure you don't enter their room without their knowledge.
6. Do not judge siblings. Siblings may have a certain lifestyle that you disapprove of, but you should not judge or criticize them for living their own lives. No matter how much you disagree with them, try to respect their own choices.
   • If you know that a topic, such as politics or religion, is causing an argument, don't bring it up.
   • If siblings have a problem that could harm them, such as drug use or suicidal thoughts, encourage them to get help.
   • Let your siblings discover things for themselves. Making mistakes that are not life-threatening is part of learning and growing up.

Tips

• If you are older and your siblings are frustrating you, try to remember what you were like at their age, how you thought and acted, and what would have made you feel good.
• Do not compare yourself to your brothers and / or sisters.
• Always love your sibling, even when they do things wrong.
• If you and siblings get into an argument, resolve it ASAP. The longer you disagree, the more the relationship will suffer.
• Don't forget that siblings look up to you. Make sure to respect them all the time. Then they will respect you.
• Remember that you will go through various stages of development that can affect the relationship. For example, puberty can affect your mood and your relationship, just like when friends get closer to your brother or sister than you do.
• If siblings have a hard time accepting your authority, remember that you are still a sibling even if you are 10 years older than them.
• Prepare for compromise. Even though you may not think it matters, they will always remember that you gave up on things, especially when you need it most.

Warnings

• Do not lie to your siblings or make up lies about them so that they will follow your good example.
• Don't treat siblings like you are better than them. Behaving in a superior way can make them hate you.