April 10th, 2022, is National Sibling’s Day, but why wait for a specific day when we can create memories every day. Now that our four boys are between 12 and 17 years old, they have started showing interest in men’s accessories and fashion. Trendhim, an award-winning men’s accessories from Danmark, is the perfect place to shop for our teenage boys. Last week, I surprised the four boys with matching 925 William Bracelets from Trendhim because siblings relationships are worth celebrating.
Our Story
My name is Cecile, and I am a Mom and Stepmom. We have lived as a blended family for over six years. Unfortunately, when our two families became one, there wasn’t an instant bond between the four boys. They were between 5 to 10 years old when they first met, and the age gap between the youngest and the oldest didn’t help. The first few years, the rivalry between the stepsibling was so high that I could see why this could be the breaking point for many blended families. If you are asking if leaving and calling it quite crossed my mind, the answer is yes! However, if you wait and help them develop a healthy relationship, you will see this unique and irreplaceable bond rise. Something that, in the beginning, I thought was impossible.
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Why is it so essential to help siblings develop a loving relationship
When we think about the longest relationships, most people think about our parents or loving partners. However, the relationship between siblings is life’s longest relationship. We know our brothers and sisters before our partners, and more than likely, they will still be there when our parents leave. So, these relationships can provide support, warmth, a sense of security and a sense of belonging for the majority of our life.
Parents can help children develop a healthy relationship with their siblings
Parents play a crucial role when it comes to creating and nurturing a good sibling relationship. For the longest time, I believed that only biological siblings shared this unique bond. I was wrong as the relationship between siblings is not given it is developed. Therefore, Siblings can take different forms such as biological, adoption, half, or stepsiblings, etc. Let’s talk a closer look at how you can help your children develop a healthy relationship with their siblings.
#1 Never compare your children
First and foremost, never compare your children. Let be honest; we’ve all done it. “Look at your brother how well he is behaving” or “How can you not listen like your sister.” Comparing can easily create rivalry and resentment between siblings.
#2 Teach them to embrace each other’s differences
Our four boys are all different. They have distinct personalities, like and dislike, values, challenges, and strengths. Embrace those differences by teaching them to live and adapt to other people. We used to take the boys one by one to an activity of their choosing during our summer holidays. Into our second year as a blended family, when it was time to choose their activities alone with us, they wanted to bring all their brothers with them. Now that was when we knew we did something right! So, they all ended up doing things they might not like as much, but the company of their brothers was more important.
#3 Teach them to agree to disagree with respect
Learning to agree to disagree with respect is a crucial life lesson that will be useful their whole lives. Explaining that perceptions and values may differ between one and another; however, we never disrespect by calling names, bullying, making fun or starting a fight.
#4 Make time for family bonding with traditions
Create new traditions with your blended family that everyone will look forward to. For us, we buy one Christmas tree ornament each year from a memorable recent activity we did together. So, every year, the boys get excited to put them on the tree and talk about those memories. We also started to play board games during the Covid lockdown. It has brought the boys closer together, so we decided to make it a tradition, and we play at least once a month.
#5 Teach them teamwork
Being able to work alone and in a team is such an excellent skill set to develop. When children have siblings, parents should start teaching early and at a young age about teamwork. There are so many ways to teach teamwork, such as doing chores together, cooking, building a project, and letting them fix their conflicts on their own.
Celebrating with 925 William Bracelets from Trendhim
Now that you see how sibling relationships can be incredible and so worth celebrating, here is how I surprised the boys with their “brotherhood bracelet.”
You must know that it is not that easy to shop for men and teenagers. Therefore, when they started to show interest in fashion, Trendhim offered a diverse range of products from suit accessories, jewelry to bags and wallets at affordable prices. They also ship to a total of 28 countries around the world. The order and shipping process was so easy and fast. Here are details on how to place an order, their delivery, and their return policies.
I chose the 925 William Bracelets collection. It comes with two bracelets combined for a subtle, elegant look. One is created with semi-precious stone, and the second one is made of genuine leather. I have chosen a different colour for each of the boys. I made them a card with a personal note explaining that they might not share the same blood, but their bond is as important. The bracelet will remind them that they are never alone.
The four boys are already sharing a sentimental value to their Trendhim bracelets. For the past week, they have never left the house without them.
Here is their website: Trendhim.com if you want to order yours. They are the perfect gift for men and teenage boys who like fashion, and if your order is more than 99$ CAN, you get free shipping.
Final Thoughts
Your children may not share an instant bond, but parents can help develop a healthy relationship and create this unique bond that could last a lifetime. It may take some time, and children will have periods of rivalry and fights. This is part of every child’s development, so that it will happen. The key is to be patient and consistent. Keep reminding them how sibling relationships are so unique and essential and how they will become even more critical as they grow older.
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What a fabulous way to connect! These bracelets look awesome!
Thanks. They already have a sentimental attachment to their bracelets
Excellent tips for building strong relationships. And love the bracelets!
Thank Cindy. I hope they will cherish their brotherhood relationship for a long time.
Initiating ways to bond together for any group seals lifelong loyal relationships! Great work!
One of my proudest mom moments was when my two younger boys decided as adults to rent a house together. I think living together as adults has only strengthened their bond.
I bet! That is awesome. Great work Mama.
The bracelets are a wonderful way to share a connection!
I thought so too. Thanks.
Wonderful reminders on igniting love between siblings. And the bracelets look so cool!
Absolutely! Thanks Chelsea
Glad the boys are bonding. Cool and significant bracelets. Nice!!
Thank you Debbie!
That bond is so important! I hope my kids will develop this (with my help)
It is very important. Thanks Lisa!
This is such a great post!! So many good ideas in here on how to keep the bond in your family strong. And the bracelets are amazing!
Thank you Terra. Sibling relationship is so important.
You are such a hero! Relationship is a hard topic but setting up healthy relationship within blended family is a heroism. Great job and thank you for sharing your experience ☺️
Thank you so much for your kind words. My goal is to inspire blended families to help them create a happy family of their own.
What a great way for them all to feel part of the family!
Thanks Cindy 🤗
Making those new family traditions as a blended family is so important. It’s never too late to make new traditions.
New traditions helps bring people together for sure.
The bracelets are an awesome idea!!! Sibling relationships are so important 💕
Thank you 🤗
Sibling relationships really are so important to help nourish & develop. Especially when raising a blended family. It looks like you guys are doing such a great job.
Thank you. It’s not always perfect but we are doing the best we can 🤗
What a great way to celebrate all of your boys! I know so many couples who have struggled to make a blended family work. Your tips are so valuable, and I love your positivity!
Thank you, Linda. Blended Family had its unique challenges for sure!