Elder sibling advice

[arvinsim]

I can always see articles, advices and resources on how to be a good parent and to be good children. But I always have a hard time finding advice on how to become a good elder sibling. I am an elder brother with 5 siblings to look after. I feel that I have not been as best as a brother could be. I thought that maybe taking good advice would help me improve as one.

Are there any resources on the web where I can find them? Any reply would be appreciated

 

[Trishie]

The basic advice would be, to treat your brothers and sisters as kindly and fairly as you would like to be treated!

Bless you!!

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

**When you say you have 5 siblings to “look after” what do you mean? I hope that doesn’t mean that you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to be their parent-figure…

but if you just mean older bother stuff, then the best thing you can do is be a good role model. Live as you would hope they would live. If you make a mistake, admit it, repent, and learn from it. That is a great lesson to learn from anyone, big brothers included:thumbsup:**

**For little brothers, show them how to grow into a man. How to respect yourself and the opposite sex. How to treat your parents with love and respect. How to “love thy neighbor”. Etc.

For little sisters it’s very important that you show them that a man can respect a woman. That not all men are out to use them and “get something” from them. In today’s society it often feels like that is all that’s out there. But for a girl to have a good male role model in a brother (and father, grandfather, uncles etc) means that she will know that good guys DO exist and she will know it’s not hopeless to try and find one. **
**
And always remember that you are a sibling, not a parent (in a typical family dynamic). They will already have parents to tell them what to do. You are responsible for showing them. Always be a listening ear, only give advice when asked, and I can’t say this enough…be a good role model**

Can you tell i wish i had an older brother?

 

[aggiecatholic05]

as an elder sibling id say two things help you excell at it.

1. teaching-from school stuff to games and anything you picked up around their age
2. Minor mischief-nothing immoral or dangerous but you should know what kids like sneak them a snack or helpthem clean something and turn it into a game

basically if youre there fore them youre on the right track

 

[arvinsim]

@Feanaro

Good advice there. And since they come from a someone who wanted to have a big bro, I don’t think I can pass it off!

@aggiecatholic05

I have not been that involved in their school life lately…maybe I should involve myself more.

 

[Katie1723]

I was the 2nd of 7. I sorta understand where you are. You can’t be the parent, but you can try and set a good example by your actions. Kids want to imitate their older siblings.

Kathy

 

[MomaMary8]

Hmmm, I’ll take a stab at some advice from the perspective of a mom and a little sister:

Listen to them. Their voices are smaller and younger, but I bet they have a lot they could tell you. Take the time to listen to their funny story of how their day was.

Include them in a special outing. It was alwaysa special thrill when my big bro would drive me to the 7-Eleven for a Big Gulp…his treat! He even took me out for an ice cream once, and it was my first time on a city bus. I’ll never forget that time

Get to know their friends. Their friends are special to them, and will give you an understanding of who your siblings are. Knowing their friends will also help in understanding the siblings fealings when they fight with their friends.

Be ready to give strong moral advice. You don’t have to always be the best friend. Younger kids will turn to the older bro or sister before the parent when they have an “embarassing” question. If its a question that needs parental guidance, encourage your sibling to go to the parents or at least inform your parents of what’s going on (not all things are tattle telling).

Don’t always be quick to shoo them away. One or two minutes of talking is great followed by a request for your privacy. “its been great talking, but I need quiet time for homework, etc” can be a nice way of getting the younger one out of your room.

The best thing you can do though, is to keep them in your prayers and ask them to pray for you.

You sound like a great older brother! Your parents must be proud.