I've learned that sisters (and brothers, for that matter) can be best friends or worst enemies. Isn't that true of husbands and wives sometimes too? I am very grateful that Don and I are best friends most of the time! :o)
Through much trial and error, I've learned what works best for me in encouraging them to be best friends. It's not ing, coaxing or talking to them until I am blue in the face either, LOL! When two of my daughters are fighting, I simply send them to their room and tell them not to come out until they've "made things right with each other" (apologized for their own wrong-doing in the situation) and become best friends again! In doing this, I am not "the bad guy" and they work things out on their own. So many times in the past, I've been the judge in countless arguments, etc. That's so tiring, especially with 10 children!
Usually, they come out of their room within minutes and they both have good attitudes...it's amazing! Sometimes they will stay in their room for awhile. If for some reason, I don't think they were honest and genuine and came out of their room prematurely, I just send them back!
Our children really should be best friends with one another. We tell our children, "God first, family second, friends and others third."
Unfortunately, we live in a society that does not promote those priorities in that way. Often in TV shows, movies, etc., the parents are depicted as being dumb, aloof, not in touch with today's youth, etc. The children and teens are the ones who are often portrayed as being superior to s. Often in TV and movies, children and teens are disrespectful to parents and other siblings. This is so sad. It's easy to see how Satan has gotten a foothold in so many ways in the media today. Also, it is typical to see brothers/sisters on TV and movies fighting with one another. Many families have fallen apart and are continuing to fall apart...
We need to instill godly characteristics in our children. Most of all, we parents need to godly characteristics for them. It is possible for children to be best friends, but we need to encourage them to be that way!
We've been reading "Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends" together in the mornings after our Bible time. It's an easy read and the kids enjoy the cute stories and refer back to them sometimes throughout the day. I'm happy with the improvement I've seen in their relationships since we started homeschooling a year and a half ago.
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