Learning to get along with younger siblings
Do you get along with your siblings? Or do you spend most of your days arguing about just about anything and everything that comes up in conversation? If the latter is you don't feel along. There are many older siblings out there that have a hard time getting along with younger siblings. With that being said, there should be at least some effort to do so. Learning to get along with younger siblings can be tough, but I think if you figure out how to do it now, your relationship will be much better as adults. Here are some helpful hints to helping you get along with your younger sibling.
1. Communicate. As hard as that may be in the moment as you are yelling at each other, understanding how to communicate with them is a key factor to the success of having any sort of relationship with them. Everyone communicates differently, so you need to try and find their communication style. Sit down with them and try having a normal conversation. Instead of back lashing at them for yelling at you, ask what the problem is? Try getting to the root.
2. Spend time together. As you and your younger sibling aren't getting along that great, they are probably the last person on earth you want to spend "one on one" time with right? You may find that by spending some one-on-one time with them the fighting will decrease. They're outbursts and unusually behavior might be stemming form the fact that they're not spending enough time with you. As crazy as that may sound just give it a try.
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3. Respect. If you expect them to show and treat you with respect then you must in return show and treat them the same way. Each family member has their own issues and all deserve the respect of the other. The golden rule is always good to follow when dealing with younger siblings: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
4. Ease up. Would it be so terribly bad to let your younger sibling hang out with you in your room, or with you and your friends? After all, you are who they will look up to; they just want to know how to behave. You have a chance to teach them some social etiquette here so take it. Give them a break every now and then and let them hang with the big kids.
5. Compliment one another. If they get some new clothes, or a new haircut then don't hesitate to compliment them on it. Everyone likes to be given a compliment and coming from an older sibling that can be a huge deal. If they do something well, then tell them. Don't just assume that they know you think they're good at certain things.
6. Pride. Oh yes, we all have our pride, and no-one ever wants to be the first to apologize. We all say things we don't really mean during arguments so instead of holding onto your pride let it go and just apologize. You may begin a string of apologies from both sides and hopefully you will both feel better about things. Pride has never taken anyone anywhere, so be humble and move past things.
7. Go the extra mile. Not that you'd want to make a habit out of it (heaven forbid) but don't be afraid to got that extra mile and say, make your younger siblings bed, or doing their chores for them. Especially if you see a need when you may have more time than them. I'm sure that the favor will be returned to you again sometime.
Yes siblings can be a pain in the butt, annoying, and hard to get along with. But learning to get along with younger siblings is a part of life so you can either make your life easier, or harder. It's your choice.
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