You share the same last name, your share almost identical DNA and even have a few features that look similar. At heart you love your brothers and sisters more than most things in this world, you would even go as far as putting your own life at risk to make sure that they are safe and protected, you share a strong, yet often complicated bond, one where you love each other to death but also cant stand the sight of each other, to me sibling rivalry is natural, its human nature, kinda like why dogs chase cats and cats chase mice, its just one of those things.

Not getting along with your siblings is all part of growing up, i like to think of it as a test, preparing you for the real world, like for e.g. if you can learn to get along with your ever so annoying little sis then later in life you’ll be able to get along with most people, even those who you don’t like but need to get along with for the sake of your job or career. If you can learn to get over the arguments, over the rivalry and over the petty stuff, you will be in a much better position later in life and if you can teach your bro and sis this same lesson they will be better prepared for the real world too.

You need to remember that if your the oldest of your siblings then your also the role model, if you set an example of always arguing and fighting then those younger than you will think that is the way they should act, therefor if you feel an argument or fight brewing, you should always think before you act, count to ten, clear your head and only retaliate if you think that it will resolve the situation, if its going to make the argument more intense then its probably best that you say nothing – remember your supposed to be the bigger person here, no matter how much they piss you off!

Like with any argument you should try and keep your cool as much and for as long as possible, try not reacting to what is being said, if what is being said is making you worse or is upsetting you try not retaliating, instead just walk away. If you feel hurt afterwards then take some time later on when things have cooled down and speak with your parents. You should only involve your parents if it is a situation that you cannot resolve yourself or it is serious to the point that you or your sibling(s) could be hurt. When speaking to your parents be calm and respectful, be mature and speak as if you were an adult, this will bring you better results in getting the situation resolved.

Just like living with your partner, living with a sibling and constantly being in each others way, especially when times are stressful can be a living nightmare. The best thing to do, since your supposed to be the grown up one is to find places outside the house where you can do things such as homework, this will give you some much needed sibling free time. You could also go to a friends, go for a jog, or visit a local library for a read. Sometimes just being in the same house can start an argument, especially if you have both had a stressful day or a disagreement earlier on.

Find time to spend together, time where you can both relax and enjoy yourselves, a day shopping and swimming or a day out in the local town are good things to try. Spend time (when your not trying to kill each other) talking about stuff, share secrets, help each other with homework, chores etc. The more time you spend together (as much of a bad idea it may seem at first) the happier your relationship will be, one thing i wish when i was younger was spending more time doing family stuff like going out together and having fun together.

As much as your sibling may seem annoying your their role model (they may be yours too!) and you should set a good example for them, letting them tag along shopping with you may sound like a lot of work or taking them cinema to see that new kids movie may sound dull but they will love you for it, plus its a great way to strengthen your bond and relationship.

The most important rule is to be respectful towards each other, if your always arguing over petty stuff then set out some rules, for e.g. your lil sis can only use your hair brush if she returns it after or your lil bro can only use the last of the milk all for himself if he has offered the others some of it first, your the ones that are arguing so you’ll hopefully have a rough idea as to where the rules need to be set and if you can set them and stick to them without your parents involvement it will also show them just how grown up you both (all) can be.