Notes from Siblings

Left photograph courtesy of Laura and Kayla J.

When we truly care for our siblings, we are acting the way our Heavenly Father desires us to act. Youth around the world recently told the New Era how they have built good relationships with their siblings, including thinking of a sibling as your closest friend, spending time with siblings, or praying for help to be more loving. Here are their thoughts and suggestions.

“My brother Kyle is a good example to me. He makes my lunch every day even though he is up early for seminary. He is very kind and always thinks of others.”

Amber R., Ireland

“My siblings are good examples to me, whether they are younger or older. My younger siblings randomly do nice things for me, and my older sister gives me rides. I grow to love my siblings more every day no matter what trials we face.”

Samuel C., Nebraska, USA

“My younger sister has helped me many times with projects I have to do for school. Because of those times, I know I can always rely on her to help me whenever I need it. Also, my sisters have given me little notes in the past that said nice things and cheered me up.”

Laura J., New Jersey, USA

“I love to talk with my siblings and learn more about them. When we talk together, we share our experiences of each day and have fun being around one another. My sister will sometimes cook for me, and it’s great when she does, because she is a fabulous chef. She’s taught me a couple of recipes to prepare me for going on a mission.”

Joseph A., Georgia, USA

“For a Personal Progress value experience, I tried for two weeks to change my relationship with a family member in a positive way. I chose my seven-year-old brother. I tried to be very patient, and I prayed for him and also for myself to have the strength to do this. Our relationship got so strong, and we are closer than ever before.”

Maria B., Georgia, USA

“My little brother Corey finds it hard to clean his room, and I help him clean it. Sometimes I clean it for him as a surprise. Corey asks me to help him when he is scared. From doing things together, I love him more and more every day.”

Kyle R., Ireland

“My little sister is amazing! She’s making amazing progress on her Personal Progress, she is very modest in her dress and behavior, and she is constantly building her testimony.”

Elder Buckmiller, Florida, USA

“My sisters are so wonderful. Most people wouldn’t think that this is service, but during my basketball season they would come to every one of my tournaments—they are so supportive and they would always make time for that.”

Crystal C., New Jersey, USA

“My little sister is such a great person. She helps everyone, minds our parents, and loves most people she meets right away. She’s never shy to tell strangers that we are Latter-day Saints. All of my siblings are very important to me. When we first moved to Nebraska and we didn’t know anyone, we kept each other going. My brothers and sisters were and still are my best friends.”

Kimberly H., Nebraska, USA

“My siblings are extremely important to me. None of my friends at school can be compared to them. My sister always gives me a hug when we see each other in the hallway. I feel very loved whenever I see her.”

Kayla J., New Jersey, USA

“I have only one sibling, my younger brother, but our relationship fills our home with love and appreciation for each other and for our parents. We don’t always get along with each other or agree on everything, but we have both learned that service is one of the best ways to not only resolve conflict but also to gain a better understanding of each other so as to prevent future arguments. I often look to my parents as examples for how to better my relationship with my brother. Both of my parents have very close relationships with their siblings, and the importance that my aunts and uncles have in my life has made me realize how the strong relationships that my brother and I are striving for now will carry with us throughout life.”

Ellen H., Georgia, USA

Each sibling relationship is unique, but by following some simple advice those relationships can get even better. Several youth shared suggestions on how to improve love and appreciation for your siblings.

“My brothers love baseball, and they like to go outside and just throw the ball around. And sometimes I show just small acts of service to them by throwing the ball with them. They really appreciate it and are kind back to me.

“My younger sister is such a great example to me! She teaches me so much just by her looking up to me. She shows me that I need to be righteous and makes me want to be a good example for her too.”

Maria B., Georgia, USA

“My siblings are a very important part of my life. I have two brothers and two sisters, and I am the oldest. Every now and then, we’ll disagree, but through solving our conflicts, we become more understanding of each other. Honestly, my siblings have helped me become a better person than I would’ve been without them.

“Since I’m the oldest child, it’s funny to say that my younger siblings have taught me as much as they have. My sister, Hannah, has been an especially good example to me. She reminds me of the things that I should be doing every day, such as praying and reading my scriptures. She is also very punctual, so I try to beat her getting ready for church nearly every Sunday. Somehow, she normally ends up winning. She also treats her friends with high regard and is very loyal to the people she loves. She has been a great example in my life. I just want to say that my brothers and sisters mean a great deal to me. They have helped me to become a better person. I know that the more time you spend with your siblings, the better you will understand them and appreciate who they are.”

Joseph A., Georgia, USA

“We do small things for each other. There have been times when my older brothers helped me after I had surgery and was on crutches. And my sisters are always there if I need someone to talk to.”

Kimberly H., Nebraska, USA

“Whenever Kayla or I get some candy, food, or a treat, we always make sure to get some for each other. If we aren’t able to get another piece, then we just split the one we got in half. My older sister, Melissa, and I regularly e-mail each other and tell each other what’s going on in our lives. My family and I also talk to her by video chat. Though we are apart, I still feel close to her. Both of my sisters are good examples to me. They help me to live the gospel and fulfill any duties I have in the Church. I know that they are always there for me. My younger sister, Kayla, is an example to me because she chooses the right and reaches out to others if they need a friend and tells them about the Church.

“There have been some instances, though, where I have felt closer to them, such as when we just talked or laughed together. When I have felt really sad, Melissa would cry with me, comfort me, and help me with whatever I was dealing with. Also, I love seeing Kayla the two times we pass by each other each day in the hallways at school. It makes my day to see a friendly face who loves me.”

Laura J., New Jersey, USA

“My sisters are always joking with me. They are always serving me in many respects: helping me with problems, giving advice, and just spending time together laughing. They also leave notes in my bag or on my bed.

“Both of my sisters are good examples to me in different ways. My older sister is an example to me because she is pursuing her education and is still staying strong in the Church, although far from home, exemplifying to me that she has her own testimony and does not simply rely on my parents’ testimony. My other sister is an example to me because she faces many problems in her life that she is able to overcome and she grows and learns from those experiences.”

Kayla J., New Jersey, USA

“My siblings mean a lot to me. I like to cheer everyone up in the house, making people happy and making them smile. Last year my mam and dad went away and my nana was minding us. My brothers were extra nice to me because they knew I was sad because I missed my mam and dad.”

Amber R., Ireland

“My siblings are very important to me because they are my friends and I would be lost without them. I wouldn’t really like to be on my own. My brother Cameron is a good example to me. He is 17 and a ward missionary. He is great at doing missionary work and fulfilling his priesthood responsibilities. I have learned a lot from him.”

Kyle R., Ireland