Recently it was International Friends Day! 

I have made different friends across different categories… work friends, close friends, gym buddies, intimate friends (pure sense), covenant friends, casual friends, acquaintances (not quite a friend) etc. 

However I would like to talk about sibling friends. That you are siblings doesn’t guarantee friendship but when you are friends it’s a sweet affair!

Who knows you better than someone who’s been there all your life? You may be as different as night and day yet you flow and have each other’s backs. I love it when I see siblings who are friends.

On the flip side some siblings aren’t friends and while it’s ok when they at least get along it can be toxic when they barely tolerate each other. This can result in disunity , disharmony and distrust. 

For some there is even animosity stemming from years of envy and sibling rivalry! 

That’s where parenting comes in. 
 Don’t compare your children Child 1 : Omalicham, Oko mi, most beautiful baby Child 2 : common get out see your head like your ugly grand pa.
 Don’t “knock their heads” i e. don’t put them against each other  To child 1..” Hmm child 2 wants to render me broke it’s because of that your useless brother I can’t do more for you.
 Treat them fairly and try not to take sides…not necessarily equally but fairly. i e. You may not give them the same toy but make sure they both get toys well suited to them
 Family time: When you spend more time together i.e.  praying, on vacation, cooking, talking etc.  they bond more.  Try not to divide them gender wise so boys and girls are close.
Listen to them: Conflict is sure to occur, and as the parent try and listen to every side.
 Celebrate their individuality: Children are different! I have 2 brothers and 4 sisters and we are all so different, understanding this will help you not compare as well.
While your children may not be bffs let’s give them a chance to at least be friends! 
𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀?𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀?