Activities to Strengthen Sibling Bonds

 

If you have a brood of boys, you know one thing… they don’t solve problems the same way that adults do. And a lot of times, it ends with them using their physical bodies to get their point across. From a well-placed elbow to the side, to a more blatant pop to the belly, these boys have no problem letting you know when they’re NOT getting along. And when you have a big family of five rambunctious boys, there’s many opportunities for 2 or 3 or all 5 of them to struggle building the positive side of their relationships.

So, instead of forcing them to do things that don’t come naturally to them (like hugging when they are mad), I’ve found a way to use their physical energy to my advantage when finding techniques to strengthen their brotherly love!

 

Get Outside!

We have found that the best way to have a group of happy, calm boys is to keep them fed and exercised! We take them outside often to get the benefits of sunshine, activity, and time together in an environment that they love. Whether it’s free time in the backyard jumping on the trampoline or playing on the ninja course, of a structured game of kickball at the park with their friends, they tend to get along better, laugh more, and enjoy their time together when they are outside.

While they don’t see it now, playing together as one pack will create core memories of their bond and instill a sense of belonging that will come naturally for them when they are older.

 

Get Creative!

While creativity isn’t innate in each of the boys, finding ways to pull out their creative side also allows them to test out new ways of playing and working together. From finding a youtube channel that teaches them how to draw their favorite characters, to open arts and crafts time where they can get creative with paints and sticks to fashion their own Harry Potter wands, we have found that the quiet time that comes with art allows them to work together in a calmer manner than we see when their being active.

This calm together time allows the communicate with their words more freely, express themselves in their own way, and they learn more about each other without even realizing it.

 

Get Competitive!

Ok, I know, I know, boys are pretty competitive without us saying anything, so why encourage it? Because competition is a natural bonding place for boys and men! Where else do grown men feel comfortable jumping for joy and patting each other’s butts than on a sports field? So why not let the boys just be boys and have some fun while secretly building that brotherhood bond!

Whether the boys are strategizing in a game of chess or putting together a challenging puzzle, game nights promote healthy competition and cooperative play.

Since most of the boys are also into sports, we regularly organize friendly matches in our backyard or at a nearby park to get them active and working together. Football, soccer, basketball, and even a game of catch can bring out their competitive spirit while encouraging teamwork and camaraderie.

 

Get quiet!

Five boys all together is rarely quiet! But when it is, some real magic can happen. All of our boys love reading and you can find each of them with a book near by most days. Reading quietly to themselves but together in the same room allows our boys to dive into the individual topics they are interested in while still allowing them to talk amongst each other when they find something entertaining or thought-provoking.

My favorite quiet time is family movie night. How else can you keep five boys quiet long enough for Mom to snuggle each one of them all in one sitting?! And it’s not just me that’s benefitting from the bonding, these cozy evenings create a sense of togetherness and shared enjoyment between the boys too.

And Finally, Get Together!

A family that plays together, stays together… Ok, that’s not how the saying goes but that’s how it works! Whatever it is that the boys are into at the moment, we try to get everyone involved in it together. Whether it’s a superhero birthday party, or an activity that one of the boys get to pick, we encourage the boys to attend each other’s special occasions and be a part of making that day special. These gestures are not only fun for everyone, but they teach empathy and reinforce the importance of looking out for one another while making them each feel cherished and valued by each other.

We also get the boys involved in planning our next vacation, choosing our special outing for the week, or even just picking what we have for dinner that week. By holding regular family meetings where everyone has a chance to speak openly and honestly about their feelings, concerns, and ideas, they get the opportunity to work together which instills values of compassion and teamwork.

 

Conclusion: Building Bonds That Last a Lifetime

As a mother of five boys, I’ve witnessed the remarkable power of sibling bonds. These activities not only provide opportunities for fun and laughter but also teach valuable life skills and values. By nurturing these connections, we’re not only strengthening the relationship between our boys but also creating a foundation of support and love that will last a lifetime.

So, go ahead and try some of these adventures, and watch your kids grow into lifelong friends and confidants!