Text or Facetime your sibling once a week if they live far away. Eat meals together if you live nearby. Text them to let them know that you are thinking about them. Send them pictures that they might find funny. Give them a card.

See a movie together. Play a board game or video game. Play a sport together. Take a walk after dinner. Hang out at the beach. Go out to eat. Cook a meal together at home. Have an arts and crafts night.

For example, if your sibling plays soccer, ask them when their next game is so that you can cheer them on. If your sibling loves to play video games, ask them to teach you how to play their favorite game. If your sibling is into a certain band, see if they want to see a concert together.

Select a gift that is meaningful for your sibling. For example, if your sibling does ballet, you might get them a ticket to see the local ballet. Gifts don’t need to be expensive or elaborate. You can even make your own gift.

Don’t wait for your sibling to ask you for help. If they seem like they’re struggling, reach out to them. You can say, “Hey, is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?” Sometimes your sibling may not want you to interfere. Respect their decision, but state that you will be there if they change their mind. You can say, “I understand. Just let me know if you ever do want my help. ”

If you know your sibling is insecure about something, lift their spirits by admiring them. For example, if your brother is worried about getting into college, you can say, “You’ve been working so hard! No matter what ends up happening, I know you’ll do well. ” Congratulate them on them on their accomplishments. For example, if a sibling wins an award, let them know how proud you are. Give them examples of how their good qualities influence and impact you in positive ways. Let them know when they do things that inspire you. For example, if your sibling kept trying at an activity they struggled with, tell them that they inspired you to keep working at something you found difficult and that you admire that quality about them.

For example, you can say, “Thank you so much for always listening when I need to talk. It makes me so happy to know I have a sibling like you. ”

Sometimes, a person just needs someone to listen, not to give advice. Before sharing your wisdom, ask, “do you want my advice?” If they say no, just listen. Let your sibling know that you are listening by occasionally repeating things that they say. For example, you can say, “I see. So your boss overlooked you for the promotion?” Always keep your sibling’s secrets. The only exception is where someone is likely to be endangered by keeping a secret.

If two siblings are fighting with each other, try to avoid taking sides. Instead, act as mediator to facilitate a win-win situation between them.

For example, if you buy special coffee, you may decide that you don’t want other people drinking it. Ask your siblings to get your permission before using your special coffee. You can also ask them to respect your personal space and free time. You might say, “When I come home from school, I need 30 minutes to relax on my own. Please don’t bother me during this time. "

Speak calmly and stick to the facts. If you feel yourself getting heated, ask for time out and go to another room to calm down. If the issue is minor, try to laugh it off, and walk away. [7] X Research source Do not bring up past conflicts in a current fight. This will only drag out grudges. Instead, focus on the issue at hand.

For example, if you both like to have 20 minutes in the bathroom but your sibling needs to use it at the same time as you, cut the time in half for each of you rather than giving up your time.

Respect their personal space and property. Don’t touch or use your sibling’s stuff without their permission. Avoid entering their room without their knowledge. If you share a room, don’t snoop through their belongings.

If you know that a subject, such as politics or religion, is going to start a fight, avoid talking about it. If your sibling has a problem that could cause harm to them, such as substance abuse or suicidal thoughts, encourage them to get help. Let your siblings figure out some things for themselves. Making mistakes that are not life-threatening is part of learning and growing up.