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Relationships
Sisters and brothers
Jenny and her sister Sarah fight all the time. Jenny is mad at Sarah because she comes into her room and takes her things without asking. Sarah says that Jenny yells too much and spends all her time on the phone.
It can be really annoying to fight with sisters or brothers because they are in your house and you may feel like you can’t get away from them. You may get angry if they take something that is yours, go into your room, hit you, or bother you when you have friends over. Your older sisters or brothers may try to tell you what to do. Your younger sisters or brothers may borrow your things or want to be around you all the time.
If you are having a hard time with your sisters and brothers, make rules and talk things out. Really listen to what your sister or brother has to say.
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Good relationships are not just about avoiding fighting. Do fun things together like go for a bike ride or watch a movie. This will give you a chance to get to know each other as friends and have fun together.
Sometimes, your fights or worries may seem more serious if you think your family is “different.” You may have step or half sisters or brothers, parents or a sister or brother who has an illness or disability, or sisters or brothers who are adopted or foster members of your family. You may have to take special care of brothers or sisters while your parents/guardians are working. But what really makes your family unique is your own rules, your own special traditions, and your own fights. Each family is different and that’s what all families have in common!
Content last updated June 26, 2008
