I am amazed at the relationship between my two kiddos…they love each other, fight with each other, laugh together, fuss at one another, snuggle together (sorta), wrestle together (thats more like it), and cheer one another on. Though they know each other well, I wouldn’t necessarily say they are “close”…there is a pretty good age gap, gender differences and overall personality difference. (Mostly, she would like to be the boss and what big brother really wants to be told what to do while playing “family” …again?!) I always pray for this relationship to grow and for them to always ‘be there’ for each other. How are some ways that you encourage/ teach this to your kids?
I am nervous. I am not sure how “future child” will fit into the equation. The kids are so excited to share their rooms, their toys and help out, but I know growing a relationship takes time. It takes many shared experiences to grow trust. It takes time to understand what another person likes/ dislikes. I understand that bonding is a big piece of adoption. I am not really sure what we are in for, but I still want to jump in with both feet, unreserved.
In honor of my boy’s upcoming 8th birthday, I asked my daughter some fun questions to get her thoughts on her Big “Bubsy”. It was so sweet, that I cornered Brother Bear during snack time to interview him as well. Her responses are first. His are second.
I know that it will take time, but I do look forward to the day when that child who is yet unknown to us, will come into our home and be known, and that trust will grow, memories will be built and perhaps a year from now (?!?!) we will have one more response to the following questions.
1. What are some reasons you love your sibling?
A: He loves me. He loves Jesus. He plays with me. He is crazy.
L: She is funny. She is crazy. She likes watching me play baseball.
2. What is your favorite game to play with him/her?
A: Chutes and Ladders.
L: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
3. What is your favorite article of his/her clothing?
A: His Banana Underoos
L: Her blue flower dress from Mexico
4. What is the funniest thing that he/she does?
A. When he picks up the doggie poo!
L: When she copies the things I say or do. Like yelling, “Dad’s home!”
5. What is your bro/ sis going to be when he/she is all grown up?
A: A Chicken Wing! (Come on, for real.) A policeman to protect me.
L: A mom and a sports newscaster.
6. What is her/his favorite place?
A: He loooooves Totos! (True, we love our neighborhood pizza joint!)
L: Hop and Play (True, she asks me about every week to go there!)
7. If you could pick who they marry, who would you pick?
A. I want him to marry Ella, because she wants a big brother. (You know that would make him her husband, not her brother, right?)
L: She should marry Jackson. (I agree!)
8. What is your favorite thing about his/her bedroom?
A: His lizards!
L: Her bed. Its big!
9. If you could make one wish for her/ him, what would you wish?
A: That he had a telephone so that I can borrow it and play games on it.
L: That she would get into the Olympics and WIN!
Parenting on the Peninsula – The Website