Spokesman-Review reporter Becky Nappi’s Sunday story, “The power of siblings,” shows us how our brothers and sisters not only provide us with company especially in the early years; but they also keep us healthy and sharp as we get older.

Becky focused on three families, but my favorite was the one about Mary and Maggie Smith, ages 9 and 11. The siblings, who also have a younger sister, have always had a close connection. “When they are old women, they say, they’ll happily live together,” Becky wrote in her story.

I hope my own children will someday love each other as much as these girls do, but at the moment, things aren’t exactly harmonious at my house. My 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter squabble a lot. They often want the same toy (even if there’s two of the same item) and they compete for my attention. We talk about taking turns and sharing. We explore ways to resolve conflict. Truthfully, however, there are days when all I do is referee.

Do your kids get along? What are some of the strategies you use to settle disputes? What do you do to promote harmony among the siblings?

---

---