“Live in harmony with one another.” —Romans 12:16, ESV
Little siblings can act like barbarians! They invade your space, steal your stuff and leave a mess. Meanwhile, older siblings can act like space aliens. Their words don’t make sense and you never know how they’re going to react. Do they come in peace or mean war?
In order to stop fights before they start, you need to discuss boundaries.
Ask a sibling to take this quiz with you. Answer true or false to each statement. Try not to look at each other’s answers until the end.
Give the red questions to the younger sibling.
Give the blue questions to the older sibling.
Little Brother/Sister’s Perspective
1. I can enter my big brother/sister’s room without asking.
2. They get to tell me what to do.
3. I can play with their friends when they come over.
4. They should fetch me a snack if i can’t reach.
5. I can borrow my big brother/sister’s clothes (sometimes).
6. It’s OK if they tease me every once in a while.
7. I can tug on their sleeve to get their attention.
8. My big brother/sister can watch my favorite movie without me.
9. I can ask them for help with my homework or chores.
10. It’s OK if they treat me like a baby.
11. I can use their toothbrush to clean mud off my shoes.
12. They can ask me to be quiet while they’re doing homework.
13. I’m allowed to hug them in front of other people.
14. It’s cool when they teach me something new.
15. If my big brother/sister does something bad, I should tattle.
16. When they get mad, it’s OK if they yell at me.
Big Brother/Sister’s Perspective
1. My little brother/sister can enter my room without asking.
2. I’m allowed to tell them what to do.
3. They can play with my friends when we hang out.
4. It’s my job to fetch snacks they can’t reach.
5. My little brother/sister can borrow my clothes (sometimes).
6. It’s OK if I tease them every once in a while.
7. They can tug on my sleeve to get my attention.
8. I don’t need to invite them when I watch movies.
9. My little brother/sister can ask me for help with homework or chores.
10. It’s OK if I treat them like a baby.
11. They’re allowed to use my toothbrush to clean mud off their shoes.
12. I can ask them to be quiet while I’m doing homework.
13. My little brother/sister is allowed to hug me in front of other people.
14. It’s cool when I teach them something new.
15. If I do something bad, my little brother/sister should tattle.
16. When I get mad, it’s OK if I yell at them.
How did you do? You probably disagree on a few boundaries. That’s normal. Work together to reach a solution you can both accept. Talking things out will help a lot.
If you disagree on five or more statements, ask a parent to clarify your family’s rules. You need to clear the air, or somebody might explode!
