Siblings are typically the longest lasting relationship in our lives which play an important role in shaping us. Dynamics are set early on and it is an evolving relationship. Parents play an important role in nurturing this relationship. If parents are careful about building the sibling bond the relationship will grow as a powerful asset much beyond their lifetime as well.
How can parents ensure close and happy relations among their offspring? Here are some strategies to help build stronger sibling relationships:
Build bonds before the arrival of the sibling
Mentally prepare your older child for the arrival of his/her sibling. Let her/him pat the baby beneath the baby bump, talk to the growing baby and feel his kicks. Share stories from older child’s babyhood. Go through his/her photo album of his/her growing up pictures together.
Make the older sibling feel important
Give importance to older sibling when visitors come to see the new baby.Let her be the one to unwrap the baby gifts and test out the rattles. Make her feel more important by giving her a job title, such as “mommy’s little helper”.
Spend time
Sharing mom with a new baby is the most difficult part of any kid. New babies require a lot of maintenance, and you don’t have 200 percent of yourself to give. When the elder sibling is back from school, give time to him/her. Listen to their stories. Help them with their homework.
Lead by example
Brothers and sisters are a sort of live-in support system. So do not micromanage their relationship. And do not fight their battles. Let them sort out their fights. Just help them understand their siblings will ultimately be their best friends. You can start by setting your own examples. Your friends may move or drift away but your family friends will always be there when you need them.
Siblings who play together stay together
Shared experience, particularly new adventures and challenges, strengthens bonds between siblings. That’s why it’s so important to have family holidays and regular family meals. Siblings who are encouraged to work together to achieve a common goal are also more likely to be close as adults than siblings who feel pitted against each other.
