I can’t say I’ve always loved being the middle child. My older brother always seemed to have more privileges and opportunities, and my little brother was showered with constant praise for being so cute. As a kid my toys were never all my own, and even into middle and high school, I was often known by teachers as the younger sister of sarcastic, bossy Jacob. The cool rising freshman all knew me as Noah’s not-as-cool older sis. But I’m thankful for my brothers every day — and I want to celebrate our amazing bond on National Siblings Day. Because here’s the thing: When the rest of the world walks out, your siblings are always there. My brothers defended me against bullies on the playground and were there to shout out my name at every dance and cheerleading competition, even when I missed a step. They were the ones that packed up my stuff after every NYC apartment-hopping breakup, and the two who cried the hardest tears of love at my wedding (with the right guy!) later.
As an integral part of each other’s childhood, the sibling relationship is one that holds so much closeness and love. Our memories mirror and fill each other’s in. We antagonized the same babysitters and once got kicked out of a museum for making each other laugh uncontrollably. We used to huddle together at the top of the stairs in our pajamas when our parents held dinner parties and listen to all the adult gossip we weren’t supposed to hear. We somehow made the car trips between our two parents’ homes fun by belting along to an unlikely mix of Bette Midler and the Goo Goo Dolls, after the divorce we experienced as a team. When I picture holidays, home, and love, none of it is complete without these two. And even though little kids might spend most of their time bickering with their brothers and sisters, National Siblings Day is a perfect moment to celebrate their special bond (click through the slide show, above, for some cool ideas).
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National Siblings Day Ideas for Celebrating
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Dress them in tees that announce their special bond.
They'll love celebrating National Siblings Day in a pair of coordinated bro-and-sis tees (these are from Charlie & Chomper). Break out the camera because these matchy moments are just too sweet -- and fleeting! -- not to capture.
Photo: Charlie & Chomper -
Have a little fun with chalkboard mock-ups.
Set up a few fun ones for photos and then erase and let the kids do their own. If you don't have a chalkboard wall (an easy painted DIY), you can get rolls of chalkboard paper and tape them up for a similar effect.
Photo: Lindsay Mills Photography -
Make her the star of your pregnancy announcement.
If your childs sibling is not here yet, there's no better way to tell the world (or your Facebook friends, at least) that you're expecting than with the big-sibling-to-be. Whether it's cheeky (I always love an eviction notice posted on a crib that contains a toddler), or just plain sweet, get your older kid(s) involved to make a Siblings Day announcement extra-adorable.
Photo: HelloErin.com -
Have a sibling PJ day in your bed.
What is the number one thing moms and dads want on our special days? Breakfast in bed followed by plenty of cuddles, of course. Treat the kiddos to some of the same, and let them hang out in their cute jammies in your bed with a favorite movie or a deck of cards to play.
Photo: Rosewarne Cox Photography -
Take a fancy photo of them together.
Forgive me, I'm totally that mom with the camera... but any chance to dress them up in coordinated party wear is one I suggest you take. On National Siblings Day, bribe them if you need to, but get a photo like this in special outfits. It's a fun tradition to start that could lead to many precious pictures you'll look back on through the years.
Photo: Cristina Lee Marino Photography -
Have them make some fun hand print art together.
This is a go-to in my house because they're versatile, relatively easy, and never get old. Set the kids up in the kitchen or somewhere that a mess is okay, and break out the yellow nontoxic craft paint and white construction paper. I like the "my only sunshine" theme because the prints don't need to be even near perfect for it to look cute. Simply paint the underside of one hand in yellow and press gently to the paper. Repeat in a circle with fingers pointed out for the "rays" an then follow up after about a half hour of drying time with a final gold (or orange) print in the middle. Frame and hang them in each other's bedrooms once dry.
Photo: Jenny Studenroth/Born to Be a Bride -
Play the Sibling Game.
A take on the classic "Newlywed Game" but with a fun, kid-friendly twist. This one will be more doable with verbal kids, but a one-sided version for babies and toddlers where their older sibling is the only one answering will still be fun with the help of Mom and Dad. Draft a list of questions for the sibs that they'll answer about each other like favorite color and what they want to be when they grow up. Reward everyone with ice cream -- no matter how many they each get right, this should bring on a few laughs.
Photo: Getty -
Have them create a 'sibling bucket list' together.
Even the youngest kids can participate in making a list of brother-sister to-dos. Whether it's to get matching haircuts or conquer the monkey bars, a sibs' bucket list can be drafted up now and added to for years to come. Encourage them to think big and small, including not only next-week items but big-picture reaches like international travel and helping plan each other's one-day weddings.
Photo: Getty -
Encourage them to make surprises for each other.
Get the tissues ready, because the ways they might want to do this one could totally melt your heart. Explain to the kids what day it is and have them surprise each other. You can either divide and conquer if your parent-child ratio allows, or set them up in separate areas of the home while they get to work. Whether you head out a day in advance with a small allowance for them to spend on each other, or set up craft supplies and watch them get to work the morning of, having them do something nice for each other is a beautiful way to spend National Siblings Day.
Photo: Getty
