Tips On Being the Worlds Best Big Sister

1. Always be ready to listen and if there's tears involved have a band aid and a chocolate kiss at hand.
2. Never act like your younger siblings troubles are to small to notice. Never tell a younger sibling to "Grow up" or "Get over it." Be gentle and realize that they are younger than you and will not handle everything well.
3. If you have sisters that are closer to you in age share things with them. Let them in on innocent little secrets, like what your getting mom for her birthday. Be honest with them, tell them when you've messed up.
4. Stoop down to their level. Play dress up with them, sing into wooden spoons with them, dance with them, catch spiders and show them to your brothers and go out of your way to show them that your thinking about them.
5. Don't be bossy. Your the oldest but that doesn't mean your siblings have to be reminded of it every minute of everyday. Use Please and Thank You and see what they will do!
6. Just because your the oldest don't think your advice is ALWAYS Divinely inspired. Sometimes biting your lip is the best advice of all.
7. Let your siblings sleep with you when their afraid (unless told other wise by your parents)
8. Be honored when your sister or brother wakes you up and tells you he or she has wet the bed, they must think your better capable of handling the situation than mom or dad:-)
9. Teach in small portions, offer gentle hints, laugh and forgive ALL your younger siblings sins.
10. Pray for them and pray with them.

Bonus Tip:-)

Never act like you don't want your siblings around. True we all need some private time but don't be overly harsh. Be honest without being cruel, "I need some time alone," I'll tell Hannah or maybe play with them and let them talk on your bed for awhile and then say, "Okay well I need to read my Bible now." Maybe it's older friends you have over, I strongly dislike older sisters pushing their younger sisters away. I always let Hannah and Abby be apart of my friends, if they are foolish and rude then they have to leave but they are always given a chance. Maybe you have things you don't want them to hear? There is a time when younger siblings have to realize they have some growing up to do but be kind, no pushing or yelling should be needed. The kind of thing I don't like is when older girls are giggling and having a good time in the older sisters room and poor little sister is sitting outside the locked door.

I struggle with tips five and six, I sure can be bossy. "Nathan I can't believe the trash hasn't been taken out!" "Abby why didn't you knock!" "No, Now!" Can you heart the bossy tone in my voice...I have so much work till I'm the Best Big sister in the World. Keep at it fellow big sisters, we'll get there yet!

Elizabeth