Healthy Relationships: Sibling Relationships

Healthy Relationships:

Sibling Relationships

Healthy Relationships	Real Life: Dating Relationships
Real Life: Sibling Relationships	Real Life: Relationships w/ Parents
Real Life: Relationships w/ Friends

Your brothers and sisters can upset you sometimes. 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 brothers or sisters may try to boss you around and tell you what to do. Your younger brothers or sisters may borrow your things or want to be around you all the time.

When you argue with your friends, you can go home and get away from them. But, when you argue with a brother or sister, they are in your house and you may feel like you can't get away from them. Talking things out and coming up with rules that you and your brothers and sisters agree on will make living together a lot easier.

Here are some ways to handle an argument and help you to avoid fighting with your brother(s) or sister(s):

Go for a walk or go to separate rooms in the house, before you lose your temper in an argument.
Talk to your parents about what is bothering you. Most likely they will be able to give you advice.
Set up your own personal space. Even if you share a bedroom, make a little space (even in a corner of your bedroom) that is all yours. Tell your brother or sister that they need to knock before coming into your bedroom or your special area of a shared bedroom.
Respect your brother or sister's personal space too - whether it is their room or a part of your shared bedroom. They will be more likely to show you the same respect in return.
Take turns with the television. Talk ahead of time about what shows you want to watch, then take turns watching your favorite shows if they are on at the same time.
Pick your battles. Try to figure out what is really bothering you. This will help you to know if the problem is worth arguing about. Some issues may be more important than others.

Next: Real Life: Relationships with Friends

Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 1/27/2010

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