In addition to showing your siblings how they should act, this will likely help you have a closer relationship with your parents![2] X Research source Try to do this whether your siblings are watching or not. If you’re disrespectful to your parents when your siblings aren’t around, they still might pick up on your attitude or hear your parents talking about it later. If you disagree with your parents, don’t shout, roll your eyes, or call them names. Instead, wait until you’ve calmed down, then ask your parents if you can talk about whatever you’re upset about.
Other examples of polite behavior include not interrupting when other people are talking, offering to help others if they need it, and having good table manners.
Try to do these things just for the sake of being helpful, not because you expect any kind of reward for doing it. If you’re not sure what you can do to help, try asking one of your parents for ideas. For instance, you might say, “Hey Mom, I know you’re really busy. Is there anything I could do to help you with dinner?”
For instance, if you’re running late for school and you shout at your little sister because she asks to borrow a headband, when you get home you might give her a hug and say something like, “I’m sorry I yelled at you. I was feeling stressed out and I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. "
One great way to be a responsible big sister is to help your siblings with their homework. Chances are, you’ll already know the information, and you may be able to explain it to them in a new way that helps it make more sense.
For instance, if you see someone drop a handful of coins, stop and help pick them up. This simple act of kindness can mean a lot to someone who might already be having a bad day.
For instance, don’t start smoking, or quit if you already do. If you’re a smoker, your younger siblings may be more likely to smoke as well.
In addition, avoid comparing yourself to your siblings. For instance, if your little brother is an amazing piano player and you’re not, don’t feel like there’s anything wrong with you. Instead, focus on finding your own talent.
For instance, if your brother is copying everything you say, instead of getting really annoyed, try saying something like, “Are you bored? Let’s write a song together!”
For instance, you teach your siblings how to play a board game, go outside and play ball, or do an art project together. This will give you and your siblings valuable bonding time together, which may make it easier to get along in the long run.
For instance, if one of your little sisters likes a boy at school, let her know that she can tell you about him. Then, don’t tease her about the boy or tell anyone else about her crush.
For instance, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by managing your schoolwork and all of your after-school activities, try opening up to your little sister about it. You might be surprised by the insight she can offer!
For instance, if your brother was horseplaying and accidentally tore your sweater, you might want to yell at him or even hit him. However, it’s important to calm yourself down, then later, explain that he really upset you by being careless. Sometimes, your younger siblings might not respect your need for privacy or space. If that happens, ask an adult to intervene, put on a pair of headphones, or shut yourself in the bathroom for a few minutes.
Immediately go to an adult if your sibling or someone else is in danger. For example, you should tell an adult if your sibling is being bullied, threatens self-harm, or tells you that one of their friends is being abused. Your sibling might be mad at you if you go to an adult, but hopefully, they’ll appreciate it as they get older and reflect on the experience.
