While I was away on a youth trip to Schroon Lake, New York for three days Gracie missed me. My mom said she looked at my picture and asked “Where Sissy”? Mom said Gracie would call out “Sissy, Sissy”? and my mom would tell Gracie that I was away and that I was going to be back home in two days or tomorrow or whatever time frame was left on me returning. The thing I thought was most special is she wanted to sleep in my room each night I was away to help her feel like she was close to me even when I was hundreds of miles away from her.

Another... more

All siblings have their good days, their bad days, the days they are healthy, and days they are sick. Today, Gracie is sick, but even a little cold cannot stop that little girl’s energy!

My mom came into my room this morning and said Gracie woke up in the middle of the night with the croup. I woke up this morning without the sound of Gracie coming into my room to wake me up. Tired little Gracie was still asleep in her bed from the night of coughing and was still in bed when my mom and I left the house to go to school.

My... more

I have heard some of my friends say that their older brother or sister is their best friend. The problem is when their older sibling has friends over to spend the night their older brother or sister will act like their sibling is not even there. This is very hurtful to my friends that have older siblings.

I use to think that this was so mean and that the older sibling should not be able to get away with doing that to their younger sibling. I still feel that way but now that I am the older sibling I have to admit, as... more

There are times I get phone calls to baby-sit for my neighbor’s girls and for my aunt’s children. I also look after some of the little ones from my church on occasion but I do baby-sit Gracie quite a bit and I always need to know what to do in case of an emergency and I have to call 9-1-1. If you care for your younger brother or sister you too need to be prepared to know what to say if you have to call for help. Below is a general list of instructions in the event you need help in an emergency.

First off you must always remain calm when dialing... more

About two years ago I took a baby-sitting course that was given by the Red Cross at our local YMCA. In that class I learned a lot of valuable information that I use when I baby-sit my little cousins, my neighbor’s daughters and of course, Gracie. Since I started babysitting Gracie over a year and a half ago I have always remembered a lot of the basic information that was taught to me in the baby-sitting class and practice it every time I look after little children. Below are a few Do’s and Do Not’s when it comes to staying home alone to... more

Since my parents have me baby-sit Gracie when they leave the home I have to know what to do in case of an emergency. Maybe it is time for you to start caring for your younger brother or sister or maybe you have been babysitting them for a while and need to be refreshed on what to do in the event an emergency where to happen. Let us hope one will never happen but it is smart to be prepared. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm. It will not do you or your bother or sister any good if you panic. Remember to keep a cool head!!!... more

Xin nian yu kuai (Mandarin) or Sun nienfai lok (Cantonese)! Happy Belated Chinese New Year to everyone. As I have said in many posts before, we adopted my sister Gracie from the country of China. I have added a new section in the Adoptive Siblings called “Plugging Into Siblings Culture.” In this section I will write about ways siblings can interact with their brothers or sisters by doing activities that involve the country they were adopted from. I would really love members of Adoption Blogs and our readers to tell... more

Have you ever been left in charge to look after your little brother or sister when your parents were out and he or she would not listen to you? Have there been times when you told them to do something and they say back to you “You are not mom or dad! You cannot make me do a thing!”

Little brothers and sisters! At times they are your best friend and other times they drive you absolutely nuts. Especially when your parents leave you in charge of your sibling. It is not always easy to get along together but as long as there is good communication then that is the essential key to a good relationship with them.

Gracie will generally listen to me well when my parents have left... more

Snow day, snow day, snow day! Oh what joy! Those are the two most beloved words in the wintertime for many students because in our region it generally means… NO SCHOOL!!!!!! Yes! My area finally had its first snow day. Because of the hazardous road conditions our most wonderful administrator’s cancelled school for the day. Gracie being as curious as she is, looked out the window with a big smile and said “‘NOOOOOW” (snow)! She was so excited to see the snow and when I asked her if she wanted to go out and play in it she said yes right away.

I... more

I have heard my friends on occasion say their mom or dad never hear their side of the story when they get into a fight with their younger sibling. They say their sibling always blames them when they fight.

I have always heard that adults sometimes expect the older sibling to be more patient and understanding with their younger sibling. As the older sibling I am already hearing this from my own mother and father. This is so hard sometimes.

There is eleven years difference between Gracie and me and Gracie is only 2 years old... more