Episode 63: Sibling Relationships

Layers of Learning Podcast

The Layers of Learning Podcast with Karen and Michelle is here to help you get your whole family learning together in your homeschool. We are the sisters behind Layers of Learning. We love getting together to chat about homeschooling and this podcast is just a series of our chats. We’re inviting you to listen in on our conversations.

We both have big families, but we teach almost all of our school subjects to everyone at once. We want to help you find the joy in that too, so we talk a lot about family homeschooling. To see all of our episodes, visit our Layers of Learning Podcast Page. Join us as we explore how to have a happy, hands-on, family-style homeschool.

Sibling Relationships

A big part of homeschooling is learning to manage sibling relationships. One of the toughest parts of homeschooling is actually parenting. You are the 24/7 authority figure in your kids’ lives, and you need to be consistent. It can be exhausting and demanding. Teaching your kids to support each other and cheer each other on instead of tearing each other down will change the whole tone in your home and will make family school not only possible, but enjoyable!

Kids can be taught to communicate more effectively, to listen, and to be kind as parents model that behavior. Resolving fights and contention can be taught as parents listen and act as a mediator without being emotionally charged. Model the behaviors you want your kids to learn and show them how to be thoughtful and kind. Make sure to give each of your kids their own special time so they can feel valued, heard, and an important part of your family. As they feel valued and important, they can begin to help others feel valued and important as well.

Here Are A Few Topics You’ll Hear About In This Podcast

• Parents can’t guarantee that kids will behave, but they can go a long way in setting the tone in your home.
• We don’t allow bullying in our families.
• Teach your kids to cheer each other on and build each other up instead of tearing each other down.
• You can teach your kids to debate and disagree without personally attacking each other. Managing emotions is an important skill.
• Learning to mediate with love but not anger or impatience is key to teaching your kids to manage their emotions.
• Time outs aren’t punishments; they are emotional breaks.
• Consistency is key! Your kids all need to know the rules, understand your expectations, and be equitable between your kids.
• Rotate the chores, be consistent with expectations, and tailor the consequences to each child.
• Make sure to give your kids one-on-one time. Tucking them in at night is a simple way to do this. Going on outings or dates is another fun way.
• Compassion can take the place of contention in your home.
• Notice every good thing your kids do so they learn to cultivate those things.

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