How to Be a Good Sister

While there are some people who grow up as the only child, many others grow up with one or more siblings. Growing up, it’s common to have sibling rivalry which can include fighting and arguing from time to time, jealousy, and competition. However, beyond those things, it’s important to have love for your siblings. Although you are family, there is no reason why you can’t be friends as well.

Things You'll Need

• One or more siblings
• Understanding
• Compassion
• Love

Instructions

How to Be a Good Sister

1. Show each other how much you love and care about one another. Love goes beyond words. To be a good sister, help your siblings with problems they may have whether it be with homework, friends, relationships, or just showing your support through thick and thin.

2. If you’re the older sister, be sure to set a good example for your younger siblings. As the oldest, you’re most likely a role model to one or more of your younger siblings. Be a positive example for them to look up to and encourage them to always do their best. Spend quality time together and take turns doing things each of you enjoy.

3. If you’re the younger sister, know that your older sister can’t always play with you. She will have friends and other things she likes to do but that doesn’t mean she loves you any less if she wants to spend time with other people sometimes. Everyone needs time apart from each other. Give her space when she needs it and don’t try to intrude on her and her friends. Also, don’t feel like you have to measure up to the same things that she does. You’re both individuals and will have different things that you excel at.

4. Be understanding of each other. If you see that one of your siblings has a problem, as a sister you should be there for them and lend your help and support. Accept and respect each others differences and compliment each others strengths. Try not to be mean and talk down to your siblings. Harsh words can hurt even more when they come from someone you love and care about so as a sister, try to speak kindly to your siblings. Sure there will be an occasional squabble from time to time but overall, be good to one another.

5. Even if you’re separated by distance, be sure to always keep in touch. Plan outings and trips to visit and spend time with each other. Don’t let trivial things come between you and break the bond that you have. Even if you’re not extremely close with your siblings, you can still be a good sister to them. Send them cards on their birthdays and other holidays, call them and let them know you’re thinking about them, and overall just show them that you care.

6. Don’t feel like you have to live up to what your sister does. Everyone has different talents so there is no need to compare yourselves. Some sisters may compare themselves to each other and this can lead to jealousy. There is no need to compare yourselves. Instead, you should be proud of each other. Realize that a sister can also be your very best friend.

Tips & Warnings

• Love and respect your siblings. Know that families should try to stick together and siblings should try to always be there for each other.

• If you’re a sister to a brother, you might not be able to relate to each other the same way two sisters can relate but there’s no reason why you still can’t be close. Love between all of your siblings can be equally strong.