A better older sister

The Story:

     Every parent seeks to show their child how to be the best person they can. In an effort to keep us from becoming like every other brother and sister constantly at each others throats, Mom made a different decision. She didn’t just say it was a phase and let it go, she actually did something about it. I must have been around 6 or 7 when she took her step to change our lives. It was just after a spat with my brother whom is 3½ years younger. He was so annoying, of course. Mom took me aside, rather than yelling at me or sending to my room she distracted my brother and sat down with me. I remember it well. It was sunny outside, early summer. Windy but warm.
     “Okay, since nothing I’m doing seems to make a difference, I want you to listen closely. You aren’t in trouble.
I know he’s just a little kid, but someday he’ll be bigger and understand more. It’s important how you treat him now. You are lucky. Having a little brother means that you will always have a friend, a best friend if you want. You have to treat him better now though. Then, when he’s older, you’ll get along better. But if you are mean, and pick on him he’ll remember it when he’s older and you may loose the chance to have that best friend. Please just try to be nice to him, treat him like a friend.”
     Believe it or not, that had a huge impact on me. I wasn’t a perfect older sister, but from then on I tried to be nice. After trying very hard, it became easier. I never forgot what Mom said. She was right. We got along a lot better. I wasn’t so annoyed with him and he didn’t seem to try to do nasty things back. Our lives got a lot easier.

The Karma:

     My relationship with my brother improved. We became friends. I remember as a child hearing other adults tell my parents, “Your kids get along so well. I wish my kids would.” We took care of each other. He was one of the only people, when he got older, who could tell me the truth even if I didn’t want to hear it and I’d listen. Aside from our relationship, it changed how I view kids. I don’t have any of my own. When my husband and I do have kids, we won’t just sit by and watch them bicker, making each other, and us miserable. I know it doesn’t have to be that way.