Relationships

Sisters and brothers

Jenny and her sister Sarah fight all the time. Jenny is mad at Sarah because she comes into her room and takes her things without asking. Sarah says that Jenny yells too much and spends all her time on the phone.

It can be really annoying to fight with sisters or brothers because they are in your house and you may feel like you can’t get away from them. 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 sisters or brothers may try to tell you what to do. Your younger sisters or brothers may borrow your things or want to be around you all the time.

If you are having a hard time with your sisters and brothers, make rules and talk things out. Really listen to what your sister or brother has to say. (If the "Tips for avoiding fights with your sister(s) or brother(s)" tool does not appear below, please take a look at our text version of this tool.)

Good relationships are not just about avoiding fighting. Do fun things together like go for a bike ride or watch a movie. This will give you a chance to get to know each other as friends and have fun together.

Do you have a sister or brother who has an illness or disability? Do you take care of someone in your family? Sometimes, your fights or worries may seem more serious if you think your family is “different.” You may have step or half sisters or brothers, parents or a sister or brother who is gay or lesbian, or sisters or brothers who are adopted or foster members of your family. But what really makes your family unique is your own rules, your own special traditions, and your own fights. Each family is different and that’s what all families have in common!

Last updated December 2007