Siblings Forever

By Charmaine D'Souza

Sibling bonds are multidimensional

A fixture of family life

The longest-lasting relationship by far

That could by filled with joy...or strife

Being companions, confidants, supporters and role models

That is the positive side

Changing to rivals, competitors, aggressors and enemies

Is what destroys relationships worldwide

Sibling dynamics in families keep changing

As sibling ties get filled with angst and distress

And sibling attachment in adulthood

Can painfully weaken and regress

When parents make distinctions

And there is differential treatment in childhood

Could compounded societal comparisons

Result in strained ties in adulthood?

Adult sibling relationships are positive When parents treat their children equally

And constantly encourage their offspring

To live in peace and harmony

Parents can influence sibling interactions

By intervening in a sibling dispute

Instead of explicitly fuelling hatred

And feeding ideas of disrepute

So if you are a parent

Bring up your children with equity and fairplay

Siblings, your relationship is unique

And yes...Happy Siblings Day!!!

By Charmaine D'Souza