Have a better relationship with a younger brother.
You might not always get along with your younger brother.There are many things you can do if you want to improve your relationship.Start by improving your communication with him and increasing the amount of quality time you spend together so that you will have lots of happy memories to share when you both grow older.In a productive way, you can deal with conflict.The relationship with your brother will get better with time and effort.
Step 1: Listen to what is said.
You can communicate effectively with your brother if you are a good listener.Wait until your brother is done speaking.Ask him to clarify if you don't understand what he's saying.Maintaining eye contact with your brother is one way to be a good listener.Nodding and making neutral statements, such as "Yes," "I see," and "Go on."
Step 2: Say hi or ask how he is.
If your brother has a cell phone, you can send him text messages to keep in touch.If you don't have time for a long conversation, this is a great way to let him know you're thinking about him.You could text your brother, "Hey, Joey!"Did you see the new superhero movie?
Step 3: Tell your brother that you care about him.
Sometimes part of the problem in sibling relationships is that one sibling doesn't tell the other that they care enough, and this can cause them to feel unlikable.If your brother knows you love him and would do anything for him, make sure to tell him.You could say "I love you" before you say goodbye to your brother.You could say something like, "I'm so proud of you, little bro!" for an everyday declaration of affection.
Step 4: You can express yourself to your brother in a non-judgemental way.
In a situation where you need to assert yourself, do so in a way that doesn't blame your brother.To avoid making assumptions about your brother in the process, use an "I" statement.You can say things like, "I feel sad when I tell you about my day and you don't listen" or "It is frustrating when you clean the bathroom and it's messy again a few hours later."Let's work together to keep it clean.
Step 5: Your brother and you can share your dreams.
Sharing your own hopes and dreams with your brother will give him a better idea of what you want out of life.Allowing yourself to be vulnerable with your brother can make him feel more comfortable opening up to you as well.You could say, "I really want to become a vet someday."You could say something like, "I hope that when I have a family, I can take them on lots of family trips like we went on with our parents."Inquire about your brother's hopes and dreams for the future, too.Say something like, "What do you want to do after you graduate?" or "what is your dream job and where would you like to live?"
Step 6: Mention your brother's accomplishments without making comparisons.
You and your brother might be good at different things.There's no point in making comparisons because this doesn't make either of you better than the other.Acknowledge your brother's accomplishments for what they are.Your brother just earned his GED and you should congratulate him.You shouldn't compare his achievements to your own.If you have a black belt in karate and your brother just earned his purple belt, earning the new belt is still an important accomplishment for him.Tell him that!
Step 7: There are things to do that are fun.
One way to increase the positive feelings between you is to have fun with your brother.When you are with your brother, take some time to do something you enjoy.It will allow you to create happy memories that you can look back on for a long time.You could build a pillow fort in your living room, go for a bike ride, or play a game together.Show your interest in your brother's favorite game or hobby.If you don't know how to play the game, ask your younger brother to show you how.
Step 8: Look for ways to work with your brother together.
Team-building activities can strengthen your bond with your younger brother.Look for opportunities to work with your brother.This can be a small, everyday task, such as cleaning the living room, or a big once in a lifetime activity, like planning a special birthday party for a parent or another sibling.You could help your brother with his homework, play a video or board game with him, or ask for his help with a personal problem if you wanted to.
Step 9: Encourage your brother to work hard.
Don't let your brother know that you're proud of him.Encourage him when he encounters a challenge.Say something like, "Way to go, buddy!" if your brother gets an A on a big math test.You might say something like, "I know it's hard to lose a game, but you played your best and I am proud of you for all of that hard work!", if your brother loses a soccer game.
Step 10: Random acts of kindness should be done.
When it seems like you're not thinking of him, this will let your brother know.You can surprise your brother with a small treat, gift, or act of kindness.You could surprise your brother at school or work with his favorite lunch, send him a care package, or take care of a chore if he's having a hard day.
Step 11: You should console your brother if he gets hurt.
Showing someone you care is an important way toNurturing.If your brother is hurt, do your best to console him.Give him a hug or pat him on the back.Don't shame him for getting upset.If your brother falls and hurts his knee, help him up and take him to the doctor.Listen to your brother and let him cry if he needs to.Let him know that you are with him.
Step 12: Be a friend to your brother, not a bully.
Don't try to boss your brother around.It's important that your brother feels like he can trust you, so make sure to demonstrate that you are trustworthy.Don't judge, tease, or boss your brother.Just like you would a close friend, show him genuine kindness and be there for him.
Step 13: If you're upset with your brother, take a few moments to calm down.
Give yourself a few minutes to calm down and deal with your anger.If you can, take a walk or excuse yourself to another room.For a few minutes, breathe deeply and you will be able to calm down.Say something like, "I'll be back in a few minutes."Let's talk.
Step 14: You can acknowledge your role in the conflict.
Taking responsibility for your role in an argument can be a great way to get your brother to acknowledge it as well.Say to your brother what you could have said differently.You could say, "I shouldn't have borrowed your skateboard without asking."I will try to be better next time.
Step 15: If you want to smooth things over, you should apologize.
It's important to apologize if you did something wrong.If you say, "I'm sorry," it will help to smooth things over between you and your brother.If the conflict between you and your brother was something that both of you played a part in, you can apologize and start working towards a resolution.Your apology should include an acknowledgement that what you did was wrong and that you won't do it again.Say something like, "I'm sorry, I called you dumb."I didn't mean it.I will be more careful about what I say in the future.
Step 16: Win-win solutions should be looked for.
If you find yourself in a difficult situation with your brother, try to find a solution.What could you do that would satisfy both of you?Sometimes this can be hard to figure out, so you might need the help of an impartial friend or family member.If you had a fight with your brother over who would use the computer, you could work together to come up with a schedule that would divide the time evenly.
Step 17: You should avoid topics that will upset you both.
Every relationship has hot-button issues that should be left untouched.Maybe you had an argument with your brother over something, or maybe you know that bringing up a specific topic will upset him.Whenever you talk with your brother, avoid these topics.If your brother says that you lost his favorite video game when he lent it to you, don't bring it up.Don't talk politics with your brother if he gets angry.