How to Deal With a Much Younger Sibling

Having much younger siblings can be fun, but it can also be a nuisance. They're not as mature as you, but may still want to spend all of their time with you. However, chances are that younger sibling looks up to you as their hero and role model.

Instructions

1. Find things that your younger brother or sister likes to do or play. If he likes to play a particular game, find time to play with him. If he likes to color, set aside time to color with him.

2. Ignore any kind of behavior that annoys you. A younger sibling can try to get any kind of attention from an older sibling even if it's negative attention. You're giving her attention when you acknowledge her annoying behavior, so she'll probably keep doing it just for the attention.

3. Set aside time each day or a particular day each week for your sibling. Let him know that at this time, he can pick what she wants to do with you and it will be your special time.

4. Respect your younger sibling so she can learn to respect you. Your younger sibling learns from you. If you don't show her respect, she won't know how to show it to you.

Tips & Warnings

• If your sibling does something you don't like or says something hurtful to you, don't take discipline into your own hands. Instead, ignore him or tell your sibling you're sorry he feels that way. Let him know that you love him no matter what.