Being A Better Big Sister =)
By Ella
Have you ever noticed how the smallest things make little kids so happy? I of all people (since I have three younger siblings ;) should know how high maintenance they can seem. But really, you can make a little one perfectly content with a cardboard box. Or a high five. Or a bouncy ball. I've really gotta work on this though; I'm not gonna lie. It can be so hard to just say, "Good job!" to a younger sibling. Yeah they did a good job, but it was a ridiculous plan, right?! Soooo amateur.
Uh, yeah, guess what?... HE'S ONLY FIVE YEARS OLD.
So, I'm gonna just throw out some tips on how to make your little sibling (cousin, neighbor kid, etc.) happy.
#1: Your tone of voice
This is so hard. For me, if I’m kinda trying to encourage my sister but with only 12% of my heart, this dry, sarcastic, flat tone is the one going. Why am I automatically using my tone of voice to turn her off or tear her down? Why do I do that? I mean, would it be so hard to just put a little spunk into it?? “Wow, Naomi, that’s great! You’re a smart girl!”
#2: Watch Your Words
My go-to phrase is: “That’s great!” (quite often without the exclamation point, when it’s more like: “That’s great...”) If I just used a better synonym for “great” (try a made up word; it requires more attention and effort), or, get this, her name. Using someone’s name is so powerful. Have you ever thought about it? For me, it’s especially special when a guy uses my name (haha @ me!). It means he actually noticed that it was me. He took the effort to recognize me in a personal way. Never underestimate the power of calling someone by name.
#3: Laugh with them...need I say more?
#4: Every little kid loves a gift
It can be tiny. Anything. It speaks volumes to any person. You thought of them; you made the effort; you took the time; you spent the money; you showed them you care.