A Foundation Of Laughter

A Foundation of Laughter

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Grandma Connie leaned across the dinner table, addressing my children with a conspirator’s grin. “Do you think your daddy ever gave Aunt Amy a hard time during dinner?”

Giggles broke out all around as we answered in unison with an exuberant “Yes!” We’d heard the stories, told with affection and laughter, of how little-brother Aaron hassled his beloved older sister. Adult Aaron smiled wryly, acknowledging his pesky younger days.

Despite being the pesty younger brother, today Aaron often calls his sister for a quick check-in while walking the dogs, staying in touch in the midst of the busy parenting years. “Love you, bud,” he says affectionately as he signs off. I do the same with my two younger brothers. We text and call regularly, gently giving one another a hard time, offering advice, or simply listening as we catch up on one another’s lives in three different states.

Does this mean that we never have conflict with our siblings? No. I’m certain both Aaron and I have been irritating in a hundred different ways as adults. But our siblings love us deeply, just as we love them deeply in return, and we practice forgiveness, assuming the best of our siblings just as they assume the best about us.

I want the same sweet blessing of sibling friendship for my own children. And while there are some things Aaron and I can do to foster this, the truth is there is simply no perfect formula for raising our children to be friends as adults. Families (in most cases) are assigned, not chosen, and I have friends who are not close to their siblings for a variety of reasons.

The best advice I’ve received in this area as a parent is that adult-sibling friendships are built on a foundation of laughter and fun developed by playing together as children. If they have enjoyed one another’s presence in childhood, loving deeply and practicing forgiveness even in the midst of disagreements and bickering, they will have the skills necessary to build a friendships as adults.

— Julie

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Encourage laughter, fun, and forgiveness among the young siblings in your life—helping them to build the foundation for future friendships.