http://www.yourparentinginfo.com Raising Great Kids Wed, 19 Mar 2014 14:00:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.2 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/night-terrors/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/night-terrors/#comments Wed, 19 Mar 2014 14:00:23 +0000 Ronald A. Rowe http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8398
We spend a lot of time here at Your Parenting Info discussing how to keep our elementary-age children safe from all manner of harm out there in the world. Today’s kids face stranger danger, bullying, peer pressure, sports and play injuries, contaminated food and water, poor role models, and so much more on a daily ]]>
We spend a lot of time here at Your Parenting Info discussing how to keep our elementary-age children safe from all manner of harm out there in the world. Today’s kids face stranger danger, bullying, peer pressure, sports and play injuries, contaminated food and water, poor role models, and so much more on a daily basis. But some dangers exist only in the child’s own mind. Ghosts, goblins, zombies, and assorted bogey-men can bedevil our children nearly as much as real-life dangers. How do you protect your child from the dangers that don’t exist? Nightmares can have a very profound impact on six-, seven-, eight-, nine-year-old children. Some experience a sort of waking nightmare where they are unable to turn off negative images flashing through their brains when the lights go out and the house becomes quiet. There are many sources for these fears. Well-meaning friends, ill-meaning classmates, and accidental exposure to mature-themed movies and TV can trigger night terrors. In more sensitive children, a single exposure can lead to months of sleepless nights. And the child is not the only one who loses sleep over these night terrors. Parents, siblings –sometimes even neighbors – are apt to be kept up at night when one vociferous child is frightened beyond his or her capacity to calm down and get to sleep. If you are currently in the throes of a stretch of night terrors, you have probably tried just about every tactic you can think of. You’ve tried being compassionate. You’ve tried arguing. You’ve tried commanding. You’ve tried reasoning. You’ve tried being supportive. You’ve tried bribery and punishment. You appealed to his or her rational side, self-interest, and concern for the well-being of the rest of the house’s inhabitants. No matter what you do that child still ends up in your room at two in the morning, crying and inconsolable. The good news is you are not alone and there is an end in sight. That may not bring much solace to sleep deprived moms and dads looking for guidance, but it is the truth. The unfortunate reality is that there may not be much that you can do but wait. Night terrors are inherently irrational. You can explain until you are blue in the face that there is nothing under the bed, that the house is secure, that zombies aren’t real. You can have what seems to be a very productive talk during the daylight hours and feel like you’ve got the problem licked with your reassuring oratory. But when the lights go out the same old fears may (probably will) return and that child will be slipping under your covers once again. The solution – and I apologize now because you are not going to like this – is patience. Some children may respond to one of the methods mentioned above, but the majority of children plagued by night terrors simply need time to work through it. You can’t punish them out of it; that is almost universally true. Rational explanations and bribery have slightly better results, but for most it’s just a matter of time.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/night-terrors/feed/ 1 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/fabulous-four-year-olds/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/fabulous-four-year-olds/#comments Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:00:18 +0000 Margot F. http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8405
Seemingly overnight, a four-year-old transforms from being a toddler to looking and acting like a miniature person. By four, most children are toilet trained with the exception of the occasional accident when the child is too busy to go to the washroom. During an exciting event, it is helpful if the caregiver encourages the child ]]>
Seemingly overnight, a four-year-old transforms from being a toddler to looking and acting like a miniature person. By four, most children are toilet trained with the exception of the occasional accident when the child is too busy to go to the washroom. During an exciting event, it is helpful if the caregiver encourages the child to take a break for the bathroom and thereby avoid any embarrassment. Socially, the child is getting better at sharing toys. It might help to take turns and set a timer for two to three minutes. A timer with an hour glass filled with sand allows the child to actually see the time slipping away. Although four-year-olds are better at playing together, an adult should be within earshot in case an argument erupts. Ideally, the children will resolve the issue on their own. If feelings are hurt and the problem cannot be sorted out, maybe the children should be separated and try again another time. Problems are more likely to occur when children are tired or hungry. If possible, avoid play dates in the late afternoon. Some children become very peer oriented and have a best friend. Allegiances change frequently and some friendships might seem healthier than others. In time your child will settle into a group with friends that complement their personality. As a parent, it is important to be available when feelings get hurt or your child is excluded from a big party. Being a calm and stable presence is important for the child who feels vulnerable. Your reassurance will help the child rebound and become stronger. If your child is regularly excluded from group events, it might be appropriate to speak to the teacher to resolve the issue. Perhaps the child will be happier in another social setting. When your child is excluding a specific individual, it is important to try and find out the reason. Is the family new to the neighborhood or from a different cultural group? When the parents reach out to each other, the children tend to follow. Arranging a picnic in a local park or at a beach is a good way to meet in a neutral setting and help develop connections. Everyone benefits when social circles are expanded. Verbally, most four-year-olds are able to express basic ideas and have a simple conversation with an adult. It is such a relief when a parent knows what is going on in their child’s world. Also, it is enlightening to hear the child express ideas about what is happening in their world. It is common for a child at this stage to assume they are an expert in all areas. For an adult, it is a balancing act to correct misinformation while encouraging your child to be curious. Having an inquisitive mind will be helpful in the long run. However, a child shouldn’t be allowed to take over conversations. Learning to take turns is an important social skill. Four-year-olds  are fabulous. Have fun.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/fabulous-four-year-olds/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/3-healthy-foods-pregnant-women-should-avoid/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/3-healthy-foods-pregnant-women-should-avoid/#comments Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:00:30 +0000 Jane Wangersky http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8407
Although the recent case of a pregnant woman who unknowingly ate meat tainted with LSD made headlines, we can be sure most of the time that the food we buy is safe. However, pregnant women have to be especially careful. During pregnancy the immune system weakens a little to keep the mother’s body from rejecting ]]>
Although the recent case of a pregnant woman who unknowingly ate meat tainted with LSD made headlines, we can be sure most of the time that the food we buy is safe. However, pregnant women have to be especially careful. During pregnancy the immune system weakens a little to keep the mother's body from rejecting the baby; this also makes the mother a little more vulnerable to some sicknesses. Foodborne illness is one of them. Some foods that seem to be healthy -- and/or would be fine outside of pregnancy -- can be dangerous for pregnant women and possibly their babies. The FDA lists the following three, among others. What could be wrong with fresh-squeezed fruit juice? Well, harmful bacteria from the peel may find its way into the juice.  The pasteurizing process kills the bacteria, but it's not required by law, and there are many unpasteurized juices for sale out there. They'll be in a refrigerated section of the store and carry a warning on the label. However, juice sold by the glass, as in some juice bars, may also be unpasteurized -- and it doesn't have to be labeled. So ask about it -- and, at home, carefully wash any fresh fruits you eat. Fish is good for you, on the whole --  though nearly all fish contains some methylmercury, usually there's not enough to do any harm. However, the longer a fish lives and the larger it gets, the more methylmercury builds up in its body, and a high level of it can damage a young or unborn child's nervous system.The FDA recommends pregnant women, nursing mothers, and small children avoid eating swordfish, tilefish, King mackerel, and shark for this reason. By the way, some popular fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna (except for albacore), salmon, pollock, and catfish. Still, the FDA recommends no more than two fish meals a week for pregnant women. Raw sprouts -- alfalfa, bean, broccoli, whatever -- are another "health" food that may contain bacteria. Working their way in through cracks in the shell, the bacteria are impossible to wash out once they're in. The FDA  recommends you also avoid them during pregnancy. It's simple enough not to buy raw sprouts, but remember also to watch out for them in food you order when out, especially salads and sandwiches. For a few months, your lowered immunity will mean you need to protect yourself and your child from potentially harmful foods -- even some "healthy" ones.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/3-healthy-foods-pregnant-women-should-avoid/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/corporal-punishment-from-the-teens-view/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/corporal-punishment-from-the-teens-view/#comments Fri, 14 Mar 2014 14:00:41 +0000 Jacob P. http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8349
In Kansas, a bill has been introduced to the state House of Representatives that would allow parents, caretakers, and teachers to spank children.  The law would allow such striking to leave marks, such as redness or bruising on the skin of the child who is being struck.  This law has incited a great degree of ]]>
In Kansas, a bill has been introduced to the state House of Representatives that would allow parents, caretakers, and teachers to spank children.  The law would allow such striking to leave marks, such as redness or bruising on the skin of the child who is being struck.  This law has incited a great degree of controversy, as it brings up the argument of whether or not that is child abuse and who has the right to administer such strikes. As a child approaching on adulthood, the legality of this law baffles me.  I am hoping that it will not be passed, because it is absolutely senseless, in my opinion.  With that said, I am not totally opposed to spanking. Spanking itself isn't a problem, if used properly.  Personally, I think it should be used sparingly, if at all.  While it can be used in serious situations, it should not be a regular punishment.  If you use it regularly, you aren't parenting and teaching.  Rather, you are instilling fear in your child and making them resent you.  After so much hitting, it is only a matter of time until they lash back.  If you are pushing your child to the point of lashing out, you have failed as a parent.  Also, parents should be able to get charged with child abuse if they spank too aggressively.  Just because it is a child getting struck doesn't mean they don't deserve legal protection if it becomes malicious. Rather, my issue with the law is the fact that it enable caretakers and teachers to strike your child.  That is absolute insanity.  As a student, if one of my teachers struck me in class, I would strike back without thinking.  I am not an aggressive student or anyone looking to lash out at my teachers, but if you hit, I'm gonna hit back.  End of story.  Also, you can equate school to a work environment.  In the working world, your boss cannot hit you.  Well, in the same stroke, your teacher should not be able to.  That is assault, end of story. It just strikes me as absolutely ludicrous that this law has actually been proposed.  Yes, I understand that corporal punishment works in select settings.  But, with that said, it is far too easily overused.  Parents are working to instill a sense of obedience, not fear.  Those two emotions are very different.  So how are we to entrust teachers and "caretakers" with the ability to strike fear and pain into our children?]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/corporal-punishment-from-the-teens-view/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/helping-tweens-negate-school-nightmares/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/helping-tweens-negate-school-nightmares/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2014 14:00:36 +0000 Tania Cowling http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8291
Throughout the years my three children had their fair share of school nightmares. With my husband in corporate construction we moved a lot, uprooting the kids every two years, even in the middle of a school semester. The kids faced new schools, being the new kid in class, trying to make new friends, and so ]]>
Throughout the years my three children had their fair share of school nightmares. With my husband in corporate construction we moved a lot, uprooting the kids every two years, even in the middle of a school semester. The kids faced new schools, being the new kid in class, trying to make new friends, and so on -- it was tough, especially during middle school. Whether you're in the same situation as ours, or your Tween just has the middle school jitters, here are a few of the dilemmas and how to work on diminishing the anxiety. Transportation Woes Whether it’s a new town or just a new year, the school bus can become a challenge. Tweens worry about their image. How will I look walking down the aisle? Where do I sit? Will I know anyone on my route? It’s that 15-to-20 minute ride that turns the morning hours into a major anxiety attack. And today with our issues with bullying, Tweens fear the bigger and meaner kids. Now, you can’t expect the bus driver to handle all situations -- he/she must keep their eyes on the road and not what's happening behind them. So as a parent, what can you do? Talk with your kids and ask them about bus behavior. If your kids balk about riding the bus, there must be a reason for your child’s transportation nightmare. Advocate having an adult supervise the ride or petition your school board to install video cameras on the bus. Cafeteria Anxiety Noon presents the dreaded lunchroom drama. Will I find a seat with my friends? Who’s cool and why can’t I make friends with the in-crowd? Please help me to not drop anything and look foolish. This has been a dilemma for generations. I even remember the cafeteria during my middle school days with certain tables for the jocks, preppies, band geeks, and nerds. I don’t think the cafeteria issues have changed much. As a parent, help your Tween to understand that the lunchroom is like a social grid and everyone has a place. Look for friends or other kids that have similar interests to sit with. This concept usually lightens the cafeteria anxiety. Don’t Let Me Look Like a Klutz in P.E. Some kids are natural athletes and some aren’t. For the non-athlete, whether it’s a physical issue or skill challenge, the physical education class can cause the jitters. The adolescent years are tough enough without feeling ashamed if you don’t measure up to the macho sports image in either gender. What’s more embarrassing than being the last kid chosen for a team by their peers? As a parent, help your child to understand that everyone shines in some activity. If it’s not sports, maybe your Tween is really good in music, art, or computers. Or if your youngster wants to excel in a sport, maybe an extra curricular sports camp can help him/her develop the necessary skills. Growing up during the Tween years is awkward and thankfully these school nightmares were temporary with my brood. As we discussed and worked on solutions, my kids became less fearful and walked the halls with confidence. So will yours!]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/helping-tweens-negate-school-nightmares/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/tips-assertive-vs-aggressive/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/tips-assertive-vs-aggressive/#comments Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:00:21 +0000 Lori Sciame http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8307
Call to mind the timid wallflower. This child is painfully shy.  He never says a word; he only smiles and agrees with everything the people in his life say.  Now think about the budding bully who acts overly aggressive when playing a game in gym class or when pushing her way to the front of ]]>
Call to mind the timid wallflower. This child is painfully shy.  He never says a word; he only smiles and agrees with everything the people in his life say.  Now think about the budding bully who acts overly aggressive when playing a game in gym class or when pushing her way to the front of the line at lunch. These children, who sit on opposite ends of the behavior spectrum, exhibit traits that are troubling, and because of these behaviors, they will both experience problems in the school setting. Now, imagine a child who falls somewhere in the middle of that same spectrum. This child isn't afraid to speak up in front of adults or his friends, he takes turns acting both as a leader and as a follower, and he stands firm in his beliefs. Plus, in each situation, he can be counted on to be respectful.  Most parents hope for such a child: one that is neither a pushover or too aggressive. How can we help to make sure our children end up being as assertive as their nature will allow, yet not overly aggressive? One way to avoid raising an aggressive child is to refrain from using physical punishment, including slapping and spanking.  It follows that if a parent physically dominates her child as a way to get what she wants, that the child will mimic the same behavior in school. The authors of the article, "Parenting Practices and Child Disruptive Behaviors in Early Elementary School", in the Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, March 2000, concur.  They state,  "as expected from a developmental perspective, parenting practices that included punitive interactions were associated with elevated rates of all child disruptive behavior problems." That is just a scholarly way of saying that if you hit your child, he or she will be more likely to lash out at others in the same way.  He or she will think that only physical domination is the way to get ahead in life. Instead, a parent needs to make an effort to be loving and supportive before behavior problems arise.  This translates into mom and dad giving lots of hugs and words of praise - not just every few weeks, but much more often. It also entails focused listening to what the child says.  Basically, it means giving your child the gift of unconditional love. Also, establishing boundaries for your child gives him or her peace of mind.  Some parents do not understand that a child who lives with constantly changing rules feels extremely stressed.  This very fact can also lead to aggression. Believe it or not, children crave boundaries and set consequences for misbehavior.  This gives them a sense that their parents care.  For instance, if your son doesn't complete the the set of chores listed on his chart on a given day, do not spank him; however, do figure out a way to correct his misbehavior.  If you model assertive behavior and follow through, he will be likely to follow suit!]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/tips-assertive-vs-aggressive/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/pills-can-kill/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/pills-can-kill/#comments Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:00:16 +0000 Lori Sciame http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8281
Pills may seem magical.  They can relieve the pain of a sore throat, reduce a high fever, and even cure a nagging cough.  In this sense, these “miracle” drugs help to make our lives and our children’s lives much more comfortable. However, medicines can also be a safety hazard for preschool children. As described by ]]>
Pills may seem magical.  They can relieve the pain of a sore throat, reduce a high fever, and even cure a nagging cough.  In this sense, these "miracle" drugs help to make our lives and our children's lives much more comfortable. However, medicines can also be a safety hazard for preschool children. As described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Among children under age six, pharmaceuticals account for about 40% of all exposures reported to poison centers."  As the startling statistic outlined above proves, preschool children can be hurt by overdosing on medications, whether or not children find the pills themselves, or they have been given the substance by an adult. Because you want to keep your child safe, please read this post.  It's actually a prescription for medicine safety. First, secure any drugs/medicines you keep in your home.  Think of these items as valuable, and then vow to keep them in a safe place.  Do not leave them in plain view on a counter or table.  Instead, lock them up.  Preschoolers should never be exposed to the temptation of either over the counter or prescription medications. Next, dispose of all unwanted medicines properly.  It doesn't matter if you buy the medicine at the store, or if you had a prescription from the pharmacy, get rid of expired or left over pills the right way.  Do not flush them down the toilet, and do not merely throw them into the kitchen or bathroom garbage. Opt instead to take old and unused medications to a local drop box or collection event.  Many police departments and health departments around the United States have erected drop boxes for ease of disposal.  Check out the U.S. Department of Justice website for drop off locations or events near you.  It may take a few extra minutes to locate a drop box, but this small inconvenience is worth saving your child's life! Another rule: never give your preschooler a pill (either whole or in part) that was not prescribed for him or her.  This happens way too often.  Last month, a mother in Wisconsin gave her child half of a methadone pill hoping to make the child go to sleep. Instead, the poor little girl died. I realize that this case is extreme, and that 99% of parents would never give their child a substance such as methadone, however, some parents may not see the danger in giving a child a "small" dose of a seemingly harmless pill. In essence, it is NEVER a good idea to share prescription medicines between family members. There are a few other ways to keep your child safe. -Explain that he or she should never take medicines that a friend's parent offers or that a friend suggests. -Avoid over-medicating your son or daughter.  Stick to your doctor's recommended dosing schedule instead of giving additional doses to ease symptoms. -Keep all pills in their original bottles to avoid mistakes.  You would be surprised by how similar pills used for vastly different purposes may look!]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/pills-can-kill/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/children-and-flu-prevention-and-treatment/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/children-and-flu-prevention-and-treatment/#comments Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:00:48 +0000 Tom Seman MD FAAP http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8354
Every year, starting in the fall we hear the reports and recommendations that we, as a general public, should get our flu shots. But why? What makes us worry so much about this viral infection? This viral infection has the rightful reputation of being a very serious disease. Between 1976 through 2006, some years have ]]>
Every year, starting in the fall we hear the reports and recommendations that we, as a general public, should get our flu shots. But why? What makes us worry so much about this viral infection? This viral infection has the rightful reputation of being a very serious disease. Between 1976 through 2006, some years have seen as few as 3,000 deaths and in some years as many as 49,000 deaths. Children under five years of age and the elderly are the most susceptible. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms: Fever* or feeling feverish/chills Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue (very tired) Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. (The above list was provided by the CDC website.) Children are affected more frequently and often more seriously than adults. They are more susceptible to viral illnesses, have a harder time trying to fight the infection. The contagious period starts one day before symptoms start through five to seven days after. It is spread when secretions from the mouth and nose come in contact with another person's eyes, nose or mouth -- and children are always busy and coughing without covering their mouths, touching everything. The illness can last for several weeks which means many, many people can be infected during a single child's illness. Furthermore, there are many secondary infections that can occur in children who get the flu. These include secondary bacterial infections that can cause pneumonia, sinus infections and ear infections. There are antivirals for fighting the flu, but they have complications. The medications should be started within the first 1-2 days of the illness, although there are complications with sleeping as well as some behavioral and emotional issues that can result while on the medication and potential issues with the liver. For young children the medicine is difficult to administer since it is mostly available in tablet form.  So beware. Have your children vaccinated, which can be done as late as April, and make sure that if they are sick that they remain home to get better. The best treatment is prevention. Avoid contact with those that are ill, stay healthy by getting plenty of sleep, eating properly and drinking plenty of water. Good luck and stay healthy]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/children-and-flu-prevention-and-treatment/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/teaching-toddlers-about-colors/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/teaching-toddlers-about-colors/#comments Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:00:12 +0000 Tania Cowling http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8319
We are so used to colors in our world that it takes the excitement of a toddler’s observations to literally “see” these concepts. As parents, it is up to us to present exploration activities and make use of a young child’s limitless curiosity to help them discriminate and identify colors. Plan creative activities into your ]]>
We are so used to colors in our world that it takes the excitement of a toddler’s observations to literally “see” these concepts. As parents, it is up to us to present exploration activities and make use of a young child’s limitless curiosity to help them discriminate and identify colors. Plan creative activities into your daily routine. There are so many projects that are simple and use supplies we usually have at home. Surround your toddlers with a world that is excitingly full of colors. We are a child’s first teacher, so learning takes place everyday at home and with all of our senses. Toddlers learn what is seen, heard, touched, smelled, and tasted during each day’s routines. Here are a few ideas I used with my children and in my Mommy and Me classes  to help you get started. Make use of walks to visualize, smell, and hear the beauty of nature. Ask your youngsters, “How many kinds of green can you see? Can you find a color that matches your shirt? What about the color of this flower? And, how does it smell?“ Or, go on a color treasure hunt in a room indoors. “I see something blue, do you?” What about the produce department in your supermarket? It’s full of colors. Make use of this beautiful produce and create a rainbow fruit salad at home. Collect some plastic water bottles and use them to display a colorful rainbow on the windowsill. Let your toddler help you place drops of food coloring into each bottle of water. Together, watch how the color spreads through the water. Be sure to run a line of glue inside the lid before you screw it on the bottle -- trust me, you will be happy you did to prevent spills. Visit you rainbow window often and talk about the colors. Point to each bottle, say the color word and ask your toddler to repeat it. Cover a shoe box with colored construction paper and fill this color box with small objects and toys of the same hue. Invite your toddler to empty and play with these toys reminding him of the color. Explore this box often during the week and emphasize the color. Make several color boxes filling them with an assortment of objects. Interchange theses boxes every few weeks. Toddlers love anything that is different and exciting. Flashlight play fits the bill, but even better with color. Take a square of colored cellophane and attach it to the head of the flashlight with a rubber band. Let your toddler shine the colored light around the room. You can shine the color on the floor and invite your little one to step into the color. Play with flashlights often and change the cellophane color -- it’s simple, toddlers enjoy playing in the light, and now you can teach colors at the same time. There are many opportunities to teach toddlers about color. Do you have one to share with us? Use the comment section below.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/teaching-toddlers-about-colors/feed/ 0 http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/supporting-your-siblings-a-teens-perspective/ http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/supporting-your-siblings-a-teens-perspective/#comments Fri, 07 Mar 2014 15:00:52 +0000 Sam P. http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/?p=8299
As much as we hate them, we love them to death.  At times we take them for granted though.  I think we forget how much it means to them when we support them.  I mean I hate it when I have an important event and my brother decides to hang out with friends instead of ]]>
As much as we hate them, we love them to death.  At times we take them for granted though.  I think we forget how much it means to them when we support them.  I mean I hate it when I have an important event and my brother decides to hang out with friends instead of going to it and supporting me.  If I feel this way, I would imagine many siblings understand this feeling as well. If you have a brother and or sister, always remember that you are important to them.  And if they have an event, a major event like a state meet or a play, go and support them.  It means so much when you look up into the crowd after winning a wrestling match, or getting a new height in pole vault and your brother or sister is standing there cheering for you.  If you have never experienced this, I'm sorry.  Maybe take it upon yourself to be the bigger person and go to one of their events first.  Maybe they will pick up on the hint and return the favor. Even if they don't go to an event of yours, go to something of theirs.  My brother had a state wrestling meet today and he wasn't sure I was going.  When he saw me you could see his face light up.  The fact that I could bring that much joy to someone is fulfilling enough.  Lucky for me though, my brother goes to a lot of my events.  Or at least he tries to.  He and I are both very athletic and many times we have corresponding sporting events.  When he can make my events, it feels great to know he wants to support me. If you have a sibling who always seems to be busy the day of your big moment, talk to them ahead of time.  Say you're starring in a play, talk to them a week or two before the opening night and ask them to go.  This way the chances are in your favor that they haven't made plans yet.  Plus most schools sell tickets in advance for less and they may be more willing to go if they can get a discount on tickets.  Same goes for sporting events.  Invite them ahead of time.  And make sure to mention that it would mean a lot to you if they tried to make it. If you are the difficult sibling that never goes to your sister's or brother's big events, make an effort to attend the next one.  It will mean a lot to your sibling.  Chances are you will enjoy your sister or brother performing in the thing they love best and you'll be proud of them no matter how they do.  Even if it is an all day tournament of some sort, make the effort to go -- especially if it is an all day thing.  It will really make your brother or sister realize how much they mean to you.]]> http://www.yourparentinginfo.com/supporting-your-siblings-a-teens-perspective/feed/ 0