Maintaining eye contact with your brother. Nodding and making neutral statements, such as “Yes,” “I see,” and “Go on. ” Avoiding distractions, such as by not looking at your phone, watching TV, or playing video games while he’s talking.
For example, you might text your brother something like, “Hey, Joey! How was your day?” Or, you might say, “Omg, did you see the new superheroes movie yet?”
For example, you might simply tell your younger brother, “I love you,” before you say goodbye to him. Or, you might say something like, “I’m so proud of you, little bro!” for an everyday declaration of affection.
For example, you might say something like, “I feel sad when I tell you about my day and you don’t listen. ” Or, you might say, “It is frustrating when I clean the bathroom and it’s messy again a few hours later. In the future, let’s try to work together to keep it clean. ”
For example, you might say something like, “I really want to become a veterinarian someday. That’s my dream job. ” Or, you might 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. That was so fun!” Make sure to ask your brother about his hopes and dreams for the future, too. Try saying something like, “What do you want to do after you graduate?” Or, “What is your dream job and where would you like to live?”
For example, your brother just earned his GED, congratulate him! Don’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!
For example, you could build a pillow fort together in your living room, go for a bike ride, or play a game together. If your brother has a favorite game or hobby, show an interest in it! For example, if your younger brother loves Minecraft, ask to play with him or ask him to show you how to play if you don’t know how.
You could also engage in team-building with your brother by helping him with his homework, playing a collaborative video or board game, or asking for your brother’s help with solving a personal problem.
For example, if your brother gets an A on a big math test, you might say something like, “Way to go, buddy! I knew you could do it!” If your brother’s soccer team loses a game, 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!”
For example, you could randomly surprise your brother at school or work with his favorite lunch, send him a care package if he’s away at school, or take care of a chore for him when he’s having a hard day.
For example, if your brother falls down and scrapes his knee, help him up and take him to get cleaned up. If your brother has their feelings hurt by someone, listen to him and let him cry if he needs to. Let him know that you are there for him.
Never judge, mock, tease, or boss your brother around. Show him genuine kindness and be there for him just like you would a close friend.
Try saying something like, “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Let’s talk then. ”
For example, you might say something like, “I shouldn’t have borrowed your skateboard without asking. I will try to be more considerate next time. ”
When giving an apology, speak honestly, and put your ego aside. Your brother will respect you for it. Make sure your apology includes an acknowledgement that what you did was wrong and reassurance that you won’t do it again. [12] X Research source Try saying something like, “I’m sorry I called you dumb. I didn’t mean it. I’ll be more careful about what I say in the future. ”
For example, if you had a fight with your brother over whose turn it was to use the computer, then you might work together to develop a schedule that you can use to divide time on the computer evenly.
For example, if your brother swears that you lost his favorite video game when he lent it to you, but you don’t ever remember borrowing it, don’t bring up the video game! If your younger brother gets angry when you discuss politics, don’t talk politics in his presence.
