Comments on: 5 Ways to Foster Sibling Love

By: My Special Kind of Crazy

My Special Kind of Crazy — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 14:44:48 +0000

I love this and it comes at a great time. Yesterday for the first time, Sweets said she didn’t want a little sister anymore. Sweets is 4 and Noggin is going to be one in a few short weeks. Noggin ADORES her big sister and that of course, at times, comes with a level of annoyance from Sweets because Noggin tries to take her stuff, grabs onto her, is constantly following her, etc, etc, etc. I am not at all concerned about it and I didn’t tell her that it was not okay to say that- and she followed up by saying, “sometimes I want to play with her, but sometimes I want to play by myself” and that is TOTALLY okay. And she always wants to kiss her goodnight (last night included) and will sing to her when she’s crying. She is all kinds of sweet with her. I have one brother so I am looking forward to seeing their friendship unfold. So far it’s been pretty wonderful.
Thanks for the timely post!

By: Maggie

Maggie — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 23:55:25 +0000

Love this, Shawn!
When my daughters were little, like yours are now, I instituted “Sister Love” time. Every now and then I needed them to just love each other — without my intervening. As they got older their “Sister Love” times got to be longer and longer. I fueled these times with special games, craft supplies, DVDs, trips to the library. When they were in middle and high school I’ll admit it: I bribed them. Yup. Cash for outings for just the 2 of them. “Your sister needs a pair of jeans. Here’s the money.” “You two want to go to that [stinkin’] movie? Here’s the money. O, and better get some pop corn. Here’s some more money.” Of course, I would encourage them to text/call each other frequently. When I was (rarely) asked for advice, I’d suggest that daughter check in with sister for an opinion, too. Last May my oldest graduated from college. The graduation gift she wanted was a road trip with her sister! Sure! Of course I’ll drive the car down to New Orleans so you two can drive home! O, and, here’s the credit card. Can’t think of a thing I’d rather spend money on!

By: Let’s Talk About Siblings… | St Anne's Children and Family Center

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:29:30 +0000

[…] as printed resources in the black metal tower. Here are some websites with other tips as well: https://www.bonbonbreak.com/5-ways-to-foster-sibling-love/, […]

By: Ellie {Musing Momma}

Ellie {Musing Momma} — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:45:09 +0000

Excellent post!!! I love the point about allowing them their independence and not forcing them to be best friends 24/7. I think that has the potential to backfire and even create resentment. It’s really about letting their relationship evolve and guiding them on how to treat one another. The apologies you describe are “apologies of action” – a term I just learned from my retired-teacher-mom. 🙂

By: Val

Val — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:12:25 +0000

These are great Shawn! I recently took the strategy of telling my kids to work out their differences. After letting it boil for a moment, I ask if they need help working it out or if they can do it on their own. If an object is the source of the frustration / meltdown / freak out, it is removed until they can treat each other amicably. It is “working” now, I just hope these tools work in the long run!

I really appreciate the reminder for independence. It is what we hope for, right? Right now my little lady is playing with silly puddy and my Lil man is upstairs playing with his cars and ninjas…and there is peace. Drinking it in with my morning cup of coffee!!

By: Alison

Alison — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:11:24 +0000

I love these tips, Shawna. Much needed for my two boys.