Healthy adult sibling relationships are among the most rewarding connections on Earth. If you had the pleasure of growing up in the same home as your siblings, you shared almost every moment of your young life. Your sibling is the only one who understands your mom\u2019s particular brand of crazy like you do. They\u2019re the only ones who get your inside jokes, and if you nourish your relationship, they\u2019re a built-in best friend who spreads across your entire life span. Friends come and go, but you can\u2019t un-sibling your brother or sister. So when at all possible, it pays dividends to build a good relationship with your siblings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Adventures From Scratch, we specialize in helping families<\/a>, couples, and friends build stronger relationships while having a blast! Adventures From Scratch: Friends Edition<\/em><\/a> is the perfect option to help you and your siblings nurture an adult friendship. It contains over 50 scratch-off adventures that are expertly crafted to deepen the conversation and make you laugh until you cry. There\u2019s even space to document your new memories together. Start fostering your adult sibling relationship today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you reading this intro and thinking, \u201cNope… you don\u2019t know my crazy family\u201d? We get it. Not all family relationships are stable and loving, for sure! There are millions of reasons that adult siblings may not be friends. Perhaps there was parental favoritism in your home that caused sibling rivalry. Maybe you had an abusive upbringing, and seeing your siblings just brings back bad memories. Perhaps you just moved away, and your estrangement is just due to your siblings being out of sight and out of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s certainly nothing easy about fixing broken relationships with family members, and sometimes, it\u2019s not wise to try. In many cases, keeping your distance is the healthiest decision for your family. If you\u2019ve experienced any of these major issues in the past, you may need family therapy or some help from a mental health professional to overcome those barriers. However, if you don\u2019t see your siblings or you aren\u2019t close just because life is busy or whatever, take a look at this list of benefits. It might just make you pick up the phone… or at least send a text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, the research on sibling relationships pales in comparison to other family relationships. Most research we do have is on children. However, in 2020, a research study for the Journal of Family Psychology<\/em><\/a> showed a strong correlation between \u201csibling warmth\u201d in adulthood and depression. They found that older adults who had healthy relationships with their siblings experienced less depression, hostility, and loneliness overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The relationship between siblings seemed to have more influence on these factors than the parent-child relationship. Further research is needed to confirm the root cause of this correlation, but it appears, as we would expect, that a strong relationship with your siblings is good for your overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having and being a supportive sibling can do wonders for your self-esteem. In a study published in Family Relations<\/em><\/a>, scientists found that when pursuing a goal, support for a sibling had as much effect as support from a parent. While young adults turned to siblings less often, those who did left feeling encouraged and capable. It\u2019s important to note that results were best when siblings offered empathic support and not directives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older siblings are certainly teachers for younger siblings, sometimes to their detriment. For instance, my 13-year-old nephew decided it was a good idea to teach his two-year-old brother the words \u201cbutt crack\u201d and \u201cding dong\u201d this week. However, siblings also follow in each other\u2019s footsteps in more powerful and positive ways. Research from Harvard<\/a> suggests that younger siblings are more likely to enroll in highly competitive colleges and four-year degrees if an older sibling does it first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we age, that relationship changes some. Younger siblings come into their own and don\u2019t need directives from their older siblings, but they still look up to them in many ways. Meanwhile, older siblings eventually begin to see their siblings as adults and recognize their achievements and individual giftings. At this point, much like a marriage, you begin to learn from one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your childhood was bliss, filled with excellent memories, or if it was utter hell, your sibling was there. They get it. The relationship with them ends up being the longest relationship for most people. You will lose friends. Your parents will likely pass before you, but your siblings (assuming you\u2019re close to the same age) are there for the long haul. Siblings can help you remember things you\u2019ve forgotten. They can fill in the gaps. They can also lend a different perspective on a bad memory. You may remember something hurtful in a very specific way, but an older sibling can often shine a light on background information that you didn\u2019t know. Sometimes, that can change the whole thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your past is an important part of who you are now, and nobody understands it like your siblings. Call them up. Discuss the parts you loved about your childhood. Talk about the parts you hated. Talk about what you wish your parents would have done differently. Then, don\u2019t do those things in your own household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you like each other or not, you still share caregiving responsibilities for your parents. Adult children who have avoided each other for years often have elevated sibling conflict when a parent becomes ill. They\u2019re forced to make decisions together. One sibling feels left out. The other feels like they\u2019re taking all the responsibility. Adult sibling rivalry exposes its ugly head, and the parents suffer for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintaining a strong family system throughout your grown-up years prevents added strife in one of the hardest periods of your life. When your parents are approaching old age, it\u2019s a difficult process to endure. You need your siblings by your side so you can help and support one another. Nobody wants to make those difficult decisions alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Siblings know all the inside jokes, and they can make you laugh like nobody else. We\u2019ll go to a personal story here. Nobody in this world makes me laugh like my sister. Every time I\u2019m around her, I end up in tears. I\u2019m very close to my sister. My mom and her brother are fairly estranged (Every family has one. My uncle is our \u201cone.\u201d). However, when my mom and her sister do see their little brother, they always end up with the giggles. He brings them joy like nobody else can. If you haven\u2019t spent time with your adult siblings in a while, invite them over. Share old stories. Talk about the hard life events, sure, but also talk about the funny stuff!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not close to your adult siblings, it\u2019s likely that you\u2019re even more keen on your own children having a different relationship with each other. Making amends with your siblings and forming strong relationships is a good example for your children. The bond of family is strong and important, and as long as it doesn\u2019t bring strife, danger, or abuse into your life, then your children will benefit from having their aunts and uncles in their lives as extra mentors and examples of loving bonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some evidence suggests that because of the \u201cpermanence\u201d and involuntary nature of sibling relationships, we often test and trial parts of our personality on our siblings. It\u2019s one way that we learn to function in society. It\u2019s usually a subconscious thing. Nobody goes into an interaction thinking, \u201cI really want to lash out today. I\u2019m going to see how my older brother reacts.\u201d But we do all push boundaries of social protocol with family, especially siblings, and it\u2019s a valuable learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your adult life looks vastly different than your childhood, you may have the tendency to forget where you came from. Many of you have tried very hard to do just that and separate every part of yourselves from who you once were. It\u2019s important to remember that the person you are today was shaped by those people and those circumstances in your maturing years. Your siblings are a good reminder of where you came from and can help you come to terms with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of that involuntary relationship and the long-term essence of your relationship, siblings don\u2019t hold punches where other friends do. They\u2019re often the first to tell you when you\u2019re behavior is out of line. They also give advice differently. Some friends (not good ones) just tell you what you want to hear because they don\u2019t want you to be upset with them or they don\u2019t want to hurt your feelings. Your sister could care less if your feelings get hurt today. If you\u2019re being stupid, she\u2019s likely going to tell you that your decision is not working out for you. They generally want the best for you and don\u2019t hold back in letting you know when you\u2019re off track, which is often the metaphorical smack in the face you need to snap out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being an aunt or uncle is a wonderful experience that is only surpassed by having grandchildren. You get to enter the life of a child as a mentor, but you get to skip out on the potty training (for the most part). If you don\u2019t have your own children, then your sibling\u2019s kids are the best surrogates. If you do have your own children, having nieces and nephews allows you to enjoy an incredible bond with a kiddo without the weight of responsibility that comes with having your own kids. When you\u2019re close to your adult siblings, you can have automatic babysitters, mentors, tutors, and extra disciplinarians to help out. It just makes raising kids so much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your relationship with your sibling will not improve without work. If you\u2019re estranged or just haven\u2019t spent time together since you were young, make time with your sibling a priority. This might mean you have to schedule it in the calendar. It might mean missing some other event or missing out on your favorite Netflix series, but it\u2019s worth it. Your sibling will notice that you\u2019re prioritizing their importance in your life, and they\u2019re likely to reciprocate the effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many adult siblings are just busy, others have a beef with each other that needs to be settled. Call your sibling, and schedule an in-person meeting. Talk about your feelings in a controlled and respectful manner. You may find that your sibling is shocked and awed at how you feel. Having an honest, direct conversation might just end in apologies and a total 360 in your relationship. Just remember not to lose your temper. Don\u2019t resort to emotional manipulation, and tell the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tragedy of your upbringing, sibling rivalries, and resentment don\u2019t have to carry on into your adult relationship. After your heart-to-heart, one of the easiest ways to move past the pain is to create new memories with your siblings. You can\u2019t change your past, but you can direct your future. When you\u2019re 80, you\u2019ll look back and see mostly the positive aspects that have replaced the ugly memories of your childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It sounds simple, but it\u2019s a massive undertaking. The best way to move forward with your siblings is to let the past go. You may need to talk about it, argue over it, and reach a middle ground first, but then… let it go! Just because it ruled your past doesn\u2019t mean it needs to have any authority in your present or future. Don\u2019t be trapped by mistakes of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Believe it or not, your sibling may see the problems of your past differently than you do. The unfortunate truth about conflict is that we each usually play a part in it. You probably aren\u2019t totally innocent in this situation, and it\u2019s likely that your sibling is feeling hurt and deserves an apology for a few things. Your willingness to apologize for your part in the situation is a sign of strength and maturity, and it will usually lead to reciprocation and the formation of a stronger relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re not your sibling, and they\u2019re not you! You were created for different reasons, have different talents, and are equally valuable to this world. No matter what your parents instilled in you, you must get to a healthy place of self-evaluation and evaluation of your siblings. Don\u2019t fall back on old comparisons, but stand tall in your accomplishments while celebrating the success of your sibling simultaneously. Their success is not a detriment or threat to your own. It\u2019s separate and different. Be proud of your sibling and proud of yourself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can be in the same room often, but if the whole interaction revolves around your parents or the kids, you\u2019re not getting quality time with your sibling. Plan activities that you both love. Clear the calendar, and spend at least a couple of hours with your siblings on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfulness goes a long way, both for your own mental health and for your sibling. Swallow your pride, and take a chance to tell your sibling how much you appreciate them. Brag on them on social media. Tell them that you admire their parenting, appreciate their wisdom, or value their creativity. Never lie to your sibling or embellish your feelings, but when you do see something in them that adds value to your life or the world, tell them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve undoubtedly grown and changed since childhood. Your younger brother or sister probably has, too. Don\u2019t be afraid to explore new roles. Your kid-sister might be an expert accountant now. Let her teach you about budget management. Your older sibling may have fallen on hard times while you\u2019ve excelled in the finance department. Become a role model for a period. This might take some humbling on behalf of both parties, but remember, your siblings likely have your best interest at heart. Be willing to be frank and real with them. You can learn from each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your longest relationship in life deserves your best. Show up for your siblings as you would for your best friend. Will they always be thankful? Probably not. Will you always feel valued? Probably not. But when you need them, they\u2019ll likely come through for you when you\u2019ve proven to them that you\u2019re devoted to the relationship. Be willing to put in the effort. Make the first step. Take the leap. If they don\u2019t respond in kind, then at least you\u2019ve tried your best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your soul longs to have a close relationship with your siblings but the problems are just too numerous and too difficult, get help. Start with yourself and some personal therapy. Then, once you reach a good spot, invite your siblings to a session. A professional mediator is sometimes all you need to get to an unbiased truth of the situation and find a solution. Don\u2019t count out the wisdom of a third party that can see the situation without emotion, bias, or judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family relationships can be the hardest of all. However, no relationship is one-sided. While you may feel totally innocent in the chaos of your family, the likelihood is that your siblings see things very differently. The real truth is probably somewhere in between your view and theirs. You can\u2019t change the past, and you can\u2019t heal all hurt by yourself, but you can make the first move. Make a valiant effort to rejuvenate and maintain adult sibling relationships. You can show appreciation and loyalty, and you can devote time and effort. Give it a shot. You might be surprised and find out that your siblings have been craving more intimacy, too. We all too often fail to repair relationships because we assume that the other person has no will to fix it. That\u2019s likely not true. If it\u2019s on your mind, it\u2019s probably on theirs, too. Take a chance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more tips on family relationships, take a look at \u201cEffective Ways to Resolve Family Conflict<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you a parent in a new blended family? Training biological siblings to get along is hard enough. It\u2019s even more difficult getting two separate families to bond and come together as a unit. Take some tips from \u201cDealing With Issues in a Blended Family<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the absence of abusive relationships, there are many benefits to being friends with your adult siblings<\/a>. They offer long-term friendships and shared memories and understand your background like no one else.<\/p> <\/div> If you want a stronger relationship with your siblings, set aside one-on-one time together<\/a>. Be a faithful friend<\/a> who always shows up, and apologize<\/a> for any old conflicts!<\/p> <\/div> Keeping in contact with adult siblings<\/a> has many benefits, including setting a strong example of the importance of family to your kids and allowing you to stay connected to your history.<\/p> <\/div> Some research shows<\/a> that healthy sibling relationships can help prevent depression and loneliness in later life. Siblings bring laughter<\/a>, stability, and life-long friendship!<\/p> <\/div> Some research suggests<\/a> that people with unhealthy sibling relationships in childhood have more trouble with loneliness as adults. Try spending some one-on-one time with your sibling<\/a> to make amends.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Many of us struggle with adult sibling relationships, but should we try harder? Check out these benefits of befriending your siblings!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":14455,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[286,285],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n\n\n\nNot Friends Yet?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Positive Sibling Relationships<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Sibling bonds are good for your mental well-being.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Siblings cheer you on.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Siblings are great teachers.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Siblings understand your background.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Strong sibling bonds mean better care for aging parents.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. They know how to make you laugh!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Healthy adult sibling relationships set a good example.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Siblings are a good testing ground.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Siblings keep you grounded.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Siblings throw down differently than other friends.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Siblings make you an aunt or uncle.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nurturing Relationships With Siblings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Make sibling relationships a priority.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Have a heart-to-heart.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Create new memories!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Let it go!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Apologize!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Drop all comparisons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Spend one-on-one time together.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Show appreciation.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Don\u2019t be afraid to explore new roles.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Be a faithful friend.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Get help.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nClosing Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n