When I had Aria I was so excited to have a daughter. The relationship I have with my Mother is something I have ALWAYS wanted with a daughter of my own. Then, once I found out I was pregnant for a second time I thought to myself “It HAS to be a girl. There is just nothing like a sister!” When sharing this with other girls I realized very quickly that this isn’t really the case. There are so many Sisters that aren’t close, barely talk and even dare I say don’t even like each other! I thought friendship between sisters was an automatic things…NOPE, it sure isn’t.
This sort of shocked me. I mean I’ll be honest when I was in high school my sister and I would bicker like crazy. I can remember my mom saying “what is it with you two, why can’t you get a long?” With that said, I would still do anything for my Sister and I loved her like crazy. But once I went to college, it was a completely different story. Since then we have been best friends, talk through major life situations, give fashion advise, parenting tips and tricks and anything else you can think of.
Sure, just like any two people we disagree, but I can’t imagine my life without my sister. This feeling I have and the relationship I grew up to see between my mom and her sister is something I work really hard to encourage with my girls. Because when it’s good, there really is nothing like a sister. Sisters can be so real and raw with each other, say the things that no one else can get away with and you two still just get each other.
So, here’s the thing…building and encouraging a strong bond starts when you’re little. So ever since I knew I was pregnant, this fostering the relationship began. I built the idea of love and trust before Amelia was even born, and this made all the difference for us!
How To Encourage Friendship Among Siblings
Insist on loyalty to each other
We all know that old saying, “blood is thicker than water” and this is something I insist on. We all have friends, but it’s important to encourage them to all play together, even when they’re with their friends. Teach them to have each other’s back, stand up for one another and be the other’s strength when they need it.
Encourage them to say I love you
This is one of those things we started early on, like the day we brought Amelia home. This helps them learn early that their sister is not just a sister. It’s someone that’s important. Some who you love and care for.
Start an evening routine for them together
Everyone has their own way of winding down for the evening and a routine that works for them. Build in time that includes sister time. My girls brush their teeth together, then lay in bed together for a few minutes giggling, playing and chatting. Sure right now it’s more giggling and nonsense talk, but as they grow they’ll have learned to talk to each other about any and everything. To finish they give hugs and kisses, say goodnight and end with I Love You. It’s seriously the cutest thing, and best part of my night to see the love between these two girls.
Create time to build friendship
Along with that evening routine, build this in during the day. Often times one or both girls are constantly wanting me with them, playing with them, mediating them. But, for at least 20 minutes a day, I do my best to step away and let them play alone. Learning how to play together is the beginning stages of friendship and building trust. So next time you’re with your girls (or really just your kids) and they’re leaving you out, tell yourself you’re doing a good job. Their friendship is blooming and it will continue to grow with them.
Let them work it out
As they get older it’s inevitable…they WILL fight. They will want what the other has. Help them learn how to deal with these situations. Teach them to take turns, ask the other for help, or sometimes I let them fight it out. Sure I intervene when I need to, but the more I let them work through a situation the fewer times these situations arise.
Encourage each other
When Amelia was learning new skills, like walking, eating new foods or now learning gymnastic skills Aria was right there cheering her on. In turn, Amelia does the same thing for Aria. They clap, cheer and tell each other good job…it’s seriously so cute, but also so good. Just like any friend, you want them to succeed. So encouraging them to support each other will come in handy later on.
No matter how young, or old your girls are, encourage them to love, support and help each other. Help foster their friendship into something that is strong and will last a lifetime. After all, there really is nothing quite like a Sister.
I’d love to hear one way you foster friendship between your kids, regardless of whether you have girls, boys or both! These tips are pretty generic and will work for all siblings.
Thanks so much for stopping and hope have a fantastic weekend!
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