Saturday, February 07, 2009

Sibling shuttle diplomacy

Of the many things that surprise and please me about my children, their relationship with each other tops the list. They truly enjoy each other's company, play together nicely, show mutual affection, and have each other's backs.

Sure, they squabble, but Jo is remarkably patient with Opie's 3-ish-ness, and Opie happily allows himself to be bossed around by his big sister most of the time. If he's having a tantrum, she creeps up next to him and tries to calm him down. Then she runs back and forth between him and the adult on duty, negotiating a truce. Several nights a week, they sleep side by side in the two trundle beds in Opie's room.

Jo recently brought home a worksheet from school called "My Special Feelings." It's a series of sentences that she had to complete: "I am happy when," "I am good at,"I am afraid of." My favorite: "I feel safe when ... my brother hugs me."

See, now this is why I wanted (still want? not sure yet) another one.

Extremely adorable photo filched from my brother and sister-in-law. Topic inspired by this week's Parent Bloggers Network blog blast for the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education.

14 comments:

SUEB0B said...

Aw, that's nice.

Kate said...

What an awesome photograph! That is adorable. And really cool they have such a nice sibling relationship.

Anonymous said...

They're so sweet. I love your awesome kiddos.

Heather said...

Wow. They don't fight nonstop? I need your secret.

That photo is phenomenal.

Lady M said...

I love the description of the truce negotiation.

Vodka Mom said...

that's sweet. Read over your previous posts. (hugs to you)

Patois42 said...

So very wonderful, those kids of yours. I hope you get what you maybe still want when next you decide you want.

the mama bird diaries said...

Yes, I understand everything you said. So sweet.

ewe are here said...

So sweet. And the picture... just lovely.

This afternoon my oldest put his arm around the shoulders of my youngest as they settled in to watch a favorite cartoon... I wish I'd taken the picture...

Mandy said...

We are still on that debate. Do we have a fourth child or not? Give yourself some time.

Thinking of you. Hugs.

JGH said...

Sounds like they have such a nice relationship. Mine do too...until they get in a fight!

Love that cozy photo.

Anonymous said...

Three brings what we like to call "shifting alliances". Still a good thing.

nonlineargirl said...

That is really nice, and a big part of why I wanted more than one child. My sister and I have a close relationship that started in childhood, and I hope for the same for Ada and her siblings. How great that your kids are support and joy for one another.

Anonymous said...

It must be so rewarding to see them together, really enjoying one another. One of my best girlfriends has a son and daughter 13 months apart and they have such a beautiful relationship. Sometimes it makes me sad that Myles won't get to be a part of a sibling relationship... I still think about adoption sometimes.