Birthday to You
Celebrate your siblings’ half birthdays through-
out the year. Jot down their real birthdays, and
then count six months ahead to find their half
birthdays. Have a mini celebration on each of
those days. Give a half-sized birthday card,
sing a funny half-birthday song,
and ask a parent to serve half
of a cake for dessert.
Valentines Anytime
Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to let your
siblings know you love them. Make little
valentines for them to find anytime.
Happy Holidaze
Special holidays exist for nearly anything you
can imagine. Pickle Day, Puppy Day, and Bike-
to-School Day are just a few. Ask a parent to
search online for some that might be fun for
you and your siblings to celebrate.
Longest Day and Shortest Day
Invite your siblings to mark the summer
solstice (longest day of the year) and winter
solstice (shortest day of the year) with fun
activities. In summer, maybe your parents
will let you get up at sunrise and go to bed
at sunset. In winter, maybe you can snuggle
up and spend an evening reading or playing
games with your family—no TV allowed!
Fan Fun
If your family has a favorite team, show your
spirit and make a big game day into a holiday.
Everyone should wear team colors, hats, or
jerseys. You could make a special snack that
you have only when your team is playing.
Put together a funny victory dance for when
the team scores or a little cheer for when it
needs some help. Go, team!
Show Your
Support
Let your sibs know how much you care—on good days and bad.
Good Days
“We’re going to the championships!”
“I have a solo in the concert!”
“I made the team!”
“My art was chosen for the display!”
When something great happens to siblings,
it’s even greater for them when they can
share it with you. You know better than just
about anyone how hard your sister worked
for it, or how much your brother hoped for
it. So your excitement means more, because
you really understand.
Also, one of the best things about families is
that people get to talk about how happy and
proud they are. Out in the world, it might be
considered bragging, but in the family, it’s OK
to shine. When you celebrate your sib’s win,
you’re adding to the happiness in the house,
and that feels good for everyone. Any happy
occasion for someone in your family is a good
excuse for the whole family to celebrate.
So when your sister gets that piano solo, tell
her how proud you are of her. If your brother
has a big game or performance coming up,
ask whether there’s anything you can do to
help him prepare. If your sib has a part in a
show, get tickets and go!
Maybe there’s a little part of you that feels
jealous of a sister’s or a brother’s happy news,
though. That’s normal, especially if you feel
like nothing special has happened to you in
a while. But try to shake off those feelings by
remembering that something good happen-
ing to someone else doesn’t say anything
about your accomplishments at all. Maybe your sib’s success will even inspire you or show you the way to a success of your own. And if you can be enthusiastic for your sibling now, she will remember it when it’s your turn to shine. That day will come for you, too.
Signs of Celebration
Make a banner for your sibling with a mes-
sage of congratulations or encouragement.
Put together a playlist of songs from the
play that your brother is starring in.
Write a card telling your sister how much
you think she deserves this and how happy
you are for her.
