My mother always taught my sisters and me that family comes first, and that we always have each other’s back. It’s something that I want to instill in my children as well. For awhile, I was worried. They constantly fought and kept yelling to one another:

“I hate him/her!”

“She/he is NOT my brother/sister!”

“Mommy, I wish I had a little brother/big sister!”

I thought that the day would never come that these two kids would get along. I was wrong.

Since Isabelle started going to school with Cebastian, their relationship has changed.

1. They look out for one another
2. They play together
3. They hold conversations together

When we went to dinner with my sister, we were both impressed on the conversation they were having. We couldn’t believe that these two children who used to bicker all the time were actually holding a conversation that was pretty interesting. I realized that I had nothing to worry about. These kids are going to be close, just like their ages. They were practically raised like twins.  When Cebastian was not even two, Isabelle was born. Therefore, they don’t remember life without the other.

I remember right after I had Isabelle, Cebastian was brought into the room.

“Look, that’s your sister.”

He pretended she didn’t exist, and it remained that way for a year. If she was on the floor, he walked over her. If I tried to get him to come near her, he wouldn’t look at her. It wasn’t until she started walking and moving around that he realized that it wasn’t just him anymore.

I’m glad that they are getting along and actually thinking about one another. I put them into a program called “Kidnesthetics” that teaches them to think outside the box, and I’ve noticed they have gotten closer cause of that as well. Next week, they start “Odyssey of the Mind,” so they will have another activity to do together.

While doing homework and waiting for the quiche to heat up, Isabelle began crying.

“I want a bunk bed like Cebastian.”

“Well, you are six, so maybe we’ll check them out.”

She smiled and looked at Cebastian, who was also smiling.

“I worry cause you still like sneaking into my bed, so what if you fall down the bed stairs?”

“Isabelle, what time do you think you will head to mommy’s room?” Cebastian excitedly asked.

“Three,” she answered.

“I’ll come get you, help you down the stairs, and then go back to my room, ok?”

“Ok.”

I smiled.

I love my sisters with all of my heart, and I can’t imagine life without them. I’m glad that my mother forced us to get along and be as close as we are now. I’m happy that my children are heading in that direction.