Avoid interacting with her when you’re feeling angry. If you’re in a bad mood, you’re bound to take it out on her. Being mean to her will only make her be mean to you. [1] X Research source
Pick your battles. If your sister tries to start a fight, think about the importance of this fight before you engage. Do you really care about winning this argument? Does the outcome matter to you? Don’t waste your time and effort arguing over something stupid. [2] X Research source
Don’t do all of your sisters chores and don’t let her take advantage of you. It’s best to help with tasks that can benefit from two people. For example, washing and drying dishes. If your sister is in a school play, offer to run lines with her. Or if she plays soccer, offer to practice with her.
For example, don’t rub it in your sister’s face whenever you get a good grade. Your sister may be self conscious about getting lower grades than you, so don’t make her feel bad. Celebrate your sister accomplishments instead of belittling them. If your sister had a great volleyball game, congratulate her instead of being jealous. [3] X Research source
Be inviting and relaxed when you approach your sister to talk. When you want to talk with your sister, say “I would really appreciate it if we could talk for a few minutes. " Tell her how she hurts you and why those actions you feel so bad. Say to your sister “It really hurts my feelings when you ______. It hurts my feelings because _____. “[4] X Research source
Say to your sister “I really want to improve our relationship. Have I done anything to upset or annoy you?” Once she gives you an answer, ask what you can do to be a better sister. Say “What can I do to be a better sibling to you? I really want us to stop fighting so much. “[5] X Research source
Be sure to let your sister know that you enjoy spending time with her and that you’d like to do it more often. Big sisters typically like to give advice. If you ask her for advice about fun things like fashion, love, or music, she’ll enjoy talking with you.
Try watching a weekly TV show together. This will give the two of you some designed sister time while watching a show that you both enjoy. If you both enjoy baking, try baking brownies or cupcakes together.
If your sister has a new favorite album, ask her what some of her favorite songs are. Or ask your sister how her day was at school. Encourage your sister when she seems sad by saying “I don’t know why you’re feeling down, but I know you can get through it!” Or give her some encouragement if she’d feeling nervous about something (let’s pretend it’s sports) by saying “I know you’re nervous about the big game, but I know you’ll do great!"[6] X Research source
Get your sister to appreciate your differences by showing her that you respect her differences. It might take awhile, but your sister will eventually learn to appreciate you for who you are. [7] X Research source
Younger siblings often annoy big sisters and their friends. Don’t be that kind of younger sibling! Only hang out with your sister and her friends if they invite you. If you don’t annoy them by bothering them all the time, they may start inviting you to hang out with them all of the time It’s important that you have your own friends as well. Think about how you would feel if you were constantly bothered by your sister while you’re with your friends. Treat her how you would like to be treated. [9] X Research source
If your sister approaches you, it will most likely be in a positive way. Wait for her to initiate an interaction instead of always approaching her first. You deserve to have your own life, so enjoy it! Have your own friends and your own hobbies, as this will prove to your sister that you are an individual, not just her annoying little sister. [10] X Research source
