Parenting : Encouraging Better Sibling Relationships
It’s a joy to see good sibling relationships.
When they look out for each other,
accompany and help one another without being told to.
When they are concerned about the other’s well being,
and speak with one another in a nice, friendly tone.
Thing is, such ‘rosy relationships’ don’t happen all the time.
And definitely, they do not happen overnight.
…
Here’re some five thoughts on siblings that I often share with my children :
>> God gives us siblings, because that’s one of His ways of :
– teaching us how to love, care and share with one another
– training our patience and self-control (because, reality is, our siblings can often be annoying)
>> If we cannot respect, love and care for our family, how can we respect, love and care for others?
>> Always, ALWAYS look out and protect each other. There will be times later when Mommy and Daddy cannot be with you, so when it comes to being and staying strong together, two is better than one, and three is definitely better than two.
>> Being annoyed with one another is normal, but it does NOT mean it’s OK to :
– say mean and discouraging words to one another (eg. ‘You are so useless!’, ‘It’ll be better to NOT have a brother!’)
– express our anger / frustration / impatience physically (eg. By hitting, pushing, kicking, etc)
>> When we feel angry and are compelled to really be nasty in our words and actions, learn to be quiet first, learn to hold our tongue, and pray to God for help in controlling our emotion. Nothing good comes from an angry heart and mind.
…
… no one ever says parenting is easy.
Obviously I don’t say the above like a ‘mantra’.
I try to insert a quick point or two when relevant conflicts or situations arise.
And on days when things just seem to go ‘wrong’ with the kids, yes it can be draining physically and emotionally.
But then again, no one ever says parenting is easy, right?
And, as much as we’d love to see ‘immediate results’, … well, nothing is instantaneous when it comes to growing up and parenting (I often need to remind myself this point!)
Actually, come to think of it, throughout the process of parenting our kids, I reckon WE learn a LOT from being parents.
Because we are reminded all the time how we too have SO much to learn, are vulnerable and so in need of strength and wisdom from above.
May God help us all in becoming better parents to the little ones HE has lovingly entrusted in our care.
