As a mom, we hope that we are raising our kids in ways that encourage lifelong sibling bonding. We want to see all of our kids together even after they leave the house. Here are some ways to foster this while they are young:
Do you ever imagine whether your kids will be on a group text later in life? Laughing, joking, and being there for one another?
I, for one, hope my kids have lifetime sibling bonds.
I’ve had a talk more than once about being a wall for each other. Sure, they may fight or get annoyed by each other, but they can be each other’s support too.
And while our kids personalities and preferences are out of our control…
What's in this post...
There are things we can do.
Let’s dive into some things we can do to encourage lifetime sibling bonds.
Adventures Outside the Home
Not every trip we go on has to include the neighbor kids cousins, and school friends. Some do… but not all.
As my kids have gotten older, they have a habit of wanting to bring along their friends (which I think is good.) I love including other kids in activities. But…
The real good adventures, I save those for my kids. The hikes or museums, etc. I always try to get at least one good pick of them together and frame it.
Sometimes I even make a little memory book (for lifelong sibling bonding) and put it on our coffee table. From time to time, the kids will pick it up and the conversations will start.
“Remember when we…”
“I was so funny when you…”
I love these memories and I know they will cherish them as they grow older.
Pull out these fun connecting questions to share some laughs with your precious ones!
Use them at:
- meal times
- car rides
- as a “calm down” trick
- for dinner time conversation
- or any time the day is getting chaotic or
- you need a reset to connect.
Quality Screen-free Time
No matter how much they plead and beg this fact- screen time is not quality time.
It’s fun time… and for that designated time, you can really enjoy it. But, it isn’t the stuff that will encourage lifelong sibling bonding.
Or any kind of bonding really. Except with the device in your hand. So, we limit that. Here are some non-screen time activities that will foster bonding moments. In this article, you’ll find indoor, outdoor, craft-related, and more fun non-screen time activities.
Separation Makes the Heart Grow Stronger
Lifelong sibling bonding is not going to happen because I forced my kids to do every.single.thing together. In fact, that’s probably going to cause them to loose it.
But what we do together, I am a stickler about “getting along.”
Have you ever pulled them out of lovely independent time just to have them immediately begin arguing?
Ok, maybe that’s just me…
If we’re doing something together for the first time that day and they cut into bickering. I’m quick to put on the brakes.
I may say:
You’ve spent all morning by yourself in some quiet time, now it’s time to do this together. Please be courteous your brother and make your momma happy by getting along.
Sometimes I will even threaten them with taking away their screen time or independent time if there’s any arguing during our precious time together.
Help prepare your kids for life, one skill at a time. Simple, easy skills every month!
Learn MoreLife Skills that are Achieved Together (for Lifelong Sibling Bonding)
True lifelong sibling bounding is fostered by learning life skills together.
- Maybe it’s cooking favorite meals together, or
- working on pa’s tractor.
- Say it’s those yearly hunting trips, or
- even family vacations to theme parks.
- It could be gardening as a family, or
- spending time enjoying the outdoors.
- For some it’s music playing.
- For others it’s academia or theological discussions.
- Sometimes it’s play,
- and sometimes it’s work.
Whatever it is…
These genuine life moments are like the glue that hold siblings friendships through the teenage years and into adulthood.
Think about it this way- when your kids are grown with kids of their own, what will they fall back on in order to spend time together?
Guarantee it will be based on what they enjoyed together as a family when they were kids.
In just 15 minutes a night (while you’re in your pajamas!) take your home (and heart and mind) from stressed out to organized.
Reading Together
Some of the most memorable times for kids are listening to you read stories.
Think about it- If you read one book to your child every day for the first 5 years of their life, they will have heard you tell 1,825 stories.
That’s significant!
When kids get older and short stories aren’t what they are interested by, reading chapter books is a powerful way to bond.
Kids remember special moments they had together in books throughout the years. It’s a great way to encourage lifelong sibling bonding.
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