”You have great ideas! You’re always so creative. ” ”I’m super lucky to have you as a brother. “ ”You’re so fun to play with because you’re so athletic. ” ”I really like your smile. ”
Always practice kindness when interacting with your brother! Being kind and speaking to them with respect shows that they should do the same for you.
If he’s been putting in extra effort studying for a specific class, tell him how great his study habits are, and how well he’s going to do in the class. Even during failure, praise can be used to reinforce resiliency. Try saying, “Great effort. You almost had it that last time. ”[1] X Research source Remember to praise the effort and not the result. If you praise the final product or the success, he may associate the praise with success and forget about all the effort it took to accomplish the goal.
Organize his movies or music alphabetically. Make it so he knows exactly where his favorites are located. Fold and organize his clothes. From time to time, clothes just get disorganized. Straighten up his closet and get all the similar items together. Vacuum and dust. Actual cleaning may take a little elbow grease, but it’s a good bet if your brother doesn’t really like people messing with his stuff.
If you’re on the way home, try picking up his favorite fast food treat. No one can resist their edible vice. Checking out at the cash register? Grab a bit of candy he likes. There is a reason those candies are up there, and it’s because most people will make impulse purchases based on the things they like. A simple card with a heart-felt note is a great way to get your feelings across. Try one that plays music for a good laugh.
A homemade tic-tac-toe board is simple, and sets up a great time playing a game together. Six moving pieces comprised of X’s and O’s, and a board with four lines, there really isn’t much else to it. [2] X Research source Crochet or knit something simple. If you have particular skill with thread, a crochet project like making a granny square might be a nice item to make. Try a paper plate clock! Useful, functional, fun, and perfect for your brother to hang up in his room or office. It’s especially useful if he’s always late.
Camping is a great get-away. Set up a tent, start the fire, break out the s’mores. A night under the stars could be a great bonding experience. Exercise together in the mountains. Grab a mountain bike or just put on some running shoes before you hit the trails. Fishing is a great way to have a quiet moment together. Sitting near some serene water could provide a moment for you to both have a great discussion, and you might even catch some fish. If you live apart, make time to meet in a local cafe or one another’s house to catch up over coffee or a meal. And if you live overseas, arrange for one of you to make the “journey of a lifetime” to catch up with each other in the foreign destination.
Jokes and tales can be a great way to reconnect without the usual hubbub of sibling life around you. A comedy club could be a great way to laugh until your sides hurt. Maybe you’d even like to try your hand at stand up comedy? Choose a movie to watch together. Go to the fancy theater, a dollar theater, or rent. Whatever it is, even if it’s something on TV, find a movie in which you will both be able to immerse yourself. Go to a concert. Dress up, sing all the songs, dance until your heart is content. Going to a concert might even improve your health. [3] X Research source
