Big Brother's Buddies

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Sometimes there are things about raising children that just melt my heart. One of these is the way I see Destry learning how to be a good big brother, and someday (Lord willing) a great daddy. He reads books so patiently to Easton and Kiana, and you can just see how much they love to listen to him. He'll read to them for thirty minutes and never complain or get frustrated with them or try to get them to go away. Sometimes it's a little harder on him, such as when they get into something he doesn't want them to bother, or when he gets his dander up and antagonizes them. But most of the time, he is patient and kind with them, and they look to him as a source of great fun. No one else in this house has quite the same amount of energy Destry has, or quite the same creative and crazy ideas. For example, I've never seen anyone else give Kiana crazy rides around the house in a little basket! He was zooming, but she was lovin' it! (That is a TINY little basket, believe me!) He teaches them how to sword fight and shoot guns and make silly noises. He also shares really cool toys with them--like rope! You wouldn't believe how many hours of enjoyment a two year old boy can get from a spool full of rope! Below, Easton had tied the rope to the little wagon and pulled it around (full of little balls, incidentally!), then tied himself to the rocking chair--all because big brother said 'Here, Easton, do you want to play with some rope?!' They also know they can go to big brother for some lap time and some love. Doesn't Kiana look perfectly happy cuddling with Destry?! It really seems to me that the first step in learning how to have good relationships in life starts with good relationships with our brothers and sisters. These are the people who really know us. These are the people who are around us day after day. These are the people who will still be around, through all the seasons of life. If we can't get along with them, how will we learn to get along with coworkers, friends, and future spouses? I've heard people suggest not allowing their children to spend time with other friends until they become friends with their siblings. I think there might be some merit to that thought. What do you think?