“Keep your hands to yourself.”
Once upon a time ago tonight, my almost 6 year old, princess-crazed daughter (thus the princess, royalty references here often) needed to be reminded to show compassion and kindness rather then physical aggression even in her angriest of moments like after an argument with her younger sister.
It is times like these, when she perceives that she isn’t getting her way or a toy she wants in in her sister’s possession that compassion is a bit harder to come by from this wannabe princess.
Even though she still embraces the mantra taught to her back from her preschool days, “Sharing is caring,” it most truly isn’t quite as easy as that three word phrase for her by any means, nor is one of her other favorite sayings made popular from Frozen craze of “Sisters Forever” or even one taught to the princesses by their grandmother, “Sisters Helping Sisters”, tonight in our humble castle.
Although at her age, she mostly knows better then to react in less then a compassionate way at school or with a friend, but with her own sister as you can clearly see is a different story.
I am in no way stating that her younger sister is innocent by any means, but still my older daughter definitely is more of the hot-headed princess, who tends to use physical warfare more so, especially this time and where the true meaning of “It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for” comes to mind.
Still, the princesses are young and impressionable. Yet it is moments like these, we would like to curb teaching them both right from wrong in their reactions, especially with showing more compassion and less discord to each other, as well as others to lessen heated princess moments like this.
But right now the definition and action of compassion is lacking for this princess…
Especially after the above and other similar sisterly squabbles, compassion is definitely something we keep trying constantly to stress in our castle home, as this is an essential trait we hope and pray both will grow up exhibiting more often then not.
Dealing with Compassion In Our Most “Royal Abode”-
1. Walk the Compassion Talk At Home for Our Princesses
Compassion starts at home with both Kevin and I (the King and Queen of our kingdom), who do our best to show that we not only love ourselves, but we do very much love and care for each other, as well, in even the smallest of gestures.
Our daily modeling, we are hopeful, will be an extra push to help both princesses be more understanding of each other even when they might not want to be.
Please don’t get me wrong, we aren’t perfect by any means and have our moments like this recent gaming strife, but again we are all works in progress with me even more recently forgiving Kevin’s earlier cheating gaming habits by extending an olive branch by challenging him to new game.
2. The Princesses Getting Schooled On Compassion
Our local school also has helped to play a role in teaching compassion and most recently made all the students (my oldest princess included) with 100 Acts of Kindness for the 100th Day of School.
We had to pick two compassionate and kind actions that Princess Emma exhibited at home to proudly share with her teacher and classmates.
She was so very excited with being more then willing to be helpful and kind to all of us.
In the end first, we chose her helping us to make a snowy day family breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes, as well pitching in to show Princess Lily how to write some of her letters that she was learning for preschool.
These acts of compassion were a great learning lesson and am thankful that school was willing to help in teaching compassion to the kids and also hopeful that Princess Lily will get to join in on the action next year as a kindergartner herself.
Although, this is a one day activity, it still helps seeing and practicing compassion at this young age at school, as well.
3. Extra-curricular Activities Aid in Princess Compassion Lessons
This past fall, our kindergarten princess also joined the ranks of many young girls becoming a Girl Scout (I was also a Girl Scout at her age), where she has earned a handful of badges doing a multitude of compassionate acts, including caroling at Christmas time to local neighbors with her Girl Scout troop.
Of course, she loves the physical reward in getting the badges, but with each badge she receives she is continually practicing compassion on a greater, grander level with her fellow Girl Scouts.
Also, have high hopes that our younger princess will join the Girl Scouts next year in her kindergarten year so she can get in on the Girl Scout compassion lessons, as well.
[Tweet “How do you show #compassion? #1000Speak”]
4. Reading to Princesses Plays a Compassionate Role
Before bed, we always try our best to read a book together, which I am more then hopeful fosters a lifelong love of reading for my princesses.
But I have also recently added books on compassion to our reading list, especially after the school sponsored activity to help further aid in continuing the compassion talk in our home at the end of our long days, that I found here to see even more faces of what compassion looks like.
Right now the books are indeed age appropriate, but as the two princesses get older, I am hopeful that they will read one of my favorite books possibly with me, that I recently read, Wonder, as this book truly exemplifies how I would hope my girls would indeed treat others no matter what at any age.
5. And It’s OK for Princesses to Get Angry
When all else fails and tensions boil like the above disagreement, we still try very hard to not ignore our princesses’ anger by getting to the bottom of what may be annoying them when frustration does indeed rear its ugly head.
Let’s be honest, no matter how much we hope compassion will be their reaction towards each other, there are always going to be moments.
So back to that original scuffle.
Well, it turns out that Princess Emma had taken out one of their puzzles to put together first. But Princess Emma thought Princess Lily was taking the puzzle over, while Princess Lily thought she was just helping her sister put the puzzle together. It was a fundamental sibling disagreement, which both princesses saw their own point more then the others. The final straw was Princess Lily taking one of the puzzle pieces and not wanting to give it to Princess Emma. So, Princess Emma tried to grab for the puzzle piece and pinching Princess Lily in the process.
Once we got to the bottom of this royal argument and dealt with the issue at hand, calmer minds prevailed and the princesses actually happily finished putting the puzzle together.
However make no mistake and don’t get me wrong, I don’t want you to assume that I am validating this type of anger to the princesses or let them think anger is the acceptable way to indeed deal with their negative feelings.
But by acknowledging their anger and letting them understand that anger is a normal emotion that they may feel from time-to-time, both Kevin and I feel that this will further help them learn how to channel and thus regulate their anger enabling them to instead embrace and exhibit compassion more as they age and mature.
Happily ever after for now, as compassion was thus returned to our majestic kingdom just in time for #1000Speak #Compassion Day!
Yes, this was told as a fairy tale with a happy ending (what fairy tale doesn’t have a happy ending?). Yet, I am not naive and know we will have more sibling moments like this as the girls grow up, but am truly filled with more hope then you will ever know from this movement.
Won’t you join us?
Morgan Dragonwillow says
My sister and I fought like dogs and cats and never came to an understanding, unfortunately. My daughters were a little better than we were and at least they talk and get together as adults. Now my youngest has two daughters of her own and they adore each other, positively cuddle bears. It is nice to see that down through the generations something has finally healed and sisters can be friends in this family.
Much hope and love that your girls will grow up to love and respect each other. Peace to you.
Visiting from #1000Speak
Janine says
Aww, thank you Morgan for sharing with me and you just me more hope then you know here. So major hugs!! 🙂
Bill says
Modeling proper behavior is the greatest gift we can give to our children. I firmly believe that and will always believe it. Good citizens and outstanding human beings are raised by good citizens and outstanding human beings.
End of story!
Happy Thursday, Janine!
Janine says
Beautiful end to your story, Bill and Happy Thursday to you, too!! 🙂
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
My girls could stand to show each other a little more compassion sometimes for sure! My post is kind of similar, too! Great minds think alike!
Janine says
Lisa, I love that we had similar thoughts on this and now can’t wait to read it. And we definitely have great minds that do think alike!! Love you, my friend 😉
lisacng @ expandng.com says
A difficult lesson to learn so young, but one that is certainly necessary. It’s great that you model it, talk it out (get to the root of the scuffle) and read books on it. I’m sure your oldest is exhibiting normal behaviors and will learn compassion soon enough. We are trying to get our 4.5 yr old to understand that it’s not nice to take things out of O’s hands, just like he doesn’t like it when she does it to him.
Janine says
Lisa, thank you and I know definitely the age more so then anything, but still trying so hard to teach this basic less on earlier rather than later here, too.
Kelly L McKenzie says
You’ve reminded me of the “random acts of kindness” days at my children’s elementary school. They would carefully craft and cut out paper hearts and then print loving statements on them to push through neighborhood mailboxes, hand out to strollers and tape on local store windows. They remember it to this day. Important stuff I think. Thank you for the reminder!
Janine says
So happy to give the reminder and Kelly I loved this day more then you know and really such a great way to teach compassion at the school level!! 🙂
Kerri says
Modeling is probably the most important teaching tool for compassion!
Janine says
Thanks Kerri and I know can’t agree with you more! 😉
Seana Turner says
Compassion and thoughtfulness don’t always come naturally. Some people seem to be more easily “others focused,” but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn kind behaviors. You are such a great mom…lucky girls!
Janine says
Seana, thank you and believe me I am by no means perfect or the best mom, but just trying to navigate the tougher moments like this to make sure my girls do grow up to be only the best they can be.
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
I love your first point about modeling compassion. I once heard someone say about parenting, “More is caught than taught.” I think this is so true. They are absorbing our actions more than anything else, so showing compassion in your home is key.
Janine says
I love that saying Katie and definitely once again couldn’t agree more with you 😉
Rabia @TheLiebers says
Ugh! Sounds like my house, too! And then of course, they have to go hug each other and be all cute and make me forget about it! LOL Sometimes I forget that mine are fundamentally good kids, even if they do drive me crazy!
Janine says
Rabia, same here totally and the hugging at the end surely gets me every time, too!
Kathy Radigan says
As one of three princesses myself I can remember a lot of less than royal arguments! Now that I’m the queen i too do my best to model kindness and the best ways to treat people in our little kingdom. I love stories as a way to start conversations too. Thanks for a great post!!
Janine says
Thanks Kathy and love that my once princess and now queen friend could relate to this!! 🙂
Janine says
Thank you Christy and seriously was hoping the analogy made sense and tried my best to take the call seriously, but explain it in a way that kids and parents could understand, as well as relate to. Cannot wait to read yours now, too 🙂
Rosey says
You sound like a very patient mama. Your girls will appreciate that later in life. 🙂
Janine says
Aww, thanks so much Rosey!! 🙂
ruchira says
Gosh! this was such a beautiful tale, J9.
I am glad your kingdom restored its sanity…phew!
I remember those days when I and my brother used to fight..he is 4 years younger to me, and would behave like the older sibling…thus the root cause of all our fights.
Now…let me take a step back…and bring compassion and love into my past by saying something nice 😉
Loved the makeover to your blog…it looks terrific!
Janine says
Ruchira, I too was the older sibling by six years to my own brother and yes I could definitely be more then a bit bossy, too at times. Thank you so much though for your kind words about my blog and the new look around here, too!! 🙂
Kathy Radigan says
Loved this post!! xo
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thank you so much Kathy!! Hugs 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
LOL! Love your happy ending. I imagine with the two of them being as close as they are, there will be a lot of ups and downs.
Since I was the big sis by 7 years over my brother, once he was bigger than me we stopped fighting. He did make me mad a lot by eating something of mine that was MINE. But I digress…
As far as teaching compassion, I am glad there are good books out there. As you know Christopher and I both read Wonder and I think that will be a good one for both of your girls to read on their own in a few more years. Adults can learn something from it too for sure.
Janine says
Kenya, once again more we have in common and I also have a younger brother by six years and it was more the constant waiting to be with me that drove me nuts (not proud of that now, but still totally was such a brat back then. As for Wonder, I agree wholeheartedly as you know and definitely hope to read with them again when they are ready.
Kathy at kissing the frog says
I love all of your points, Janine. Compassion does start at home, and it should be taught in school and carried throughout all aspects of activities that kids are involved in. The little ones watch us like hawks. We need to teach by example.
Janine says
Kathy, I know they do totally watch us like hawks, so I truly do believe that compassion needs to be taught from us first, but carried over into all different aspects in their lives, including school and extra-curricular activities, too. Thank you so much again for sharing, too 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
Love that you made this a fairy tale about your adorable girls, Janine! So so awesome. Man this compassion stuff can be HARD. Even when we’re princesses.
Janine says
I agree Kristi, princesses or not compassion is not an easy lesson to learn. And thank you for saying what you said, I knew where I wanted to go with this, but was so struggling for days with the execution and must have edited 1,000 times here.
Bev says
I loved your interpretation of this, Janine! I think with young children it takes lots of modeling and practice and it sounds like your girls are getting so much of that from you and Kevin and at school. I am sure your princesses will grow up to be very loving, compassionate queens one day! 🙂
Janine says
Thank you Bec and I truly hope so!! 😉
zoe says
Janine, I havent been here is a while… what a lovely post and its nice to see your little ones are still princess obsessed!
Janine says
Zoe, so good to see you and yes we are as princess obsessed as ever here!! 😉
Tamara says
The royal abode!! You crack me up.
And Scarlet shows a lot more compassion at school than she does with Des! Although it’s pretty decent because he’s still young.
I have four siblings and I learned so much about compassion through them! And yes, the modeling of parents being kind to each other is so key!
Janine says
Tamara, my Disney obsessed mind could resist, but still glad to know that it isn’t just Emma, but still I know we both try so hard to show our kids what compassion indeed looks like.
another jennifer says
I love that you are celebrating 100 days with 100 acts of kindness too! G’s elementary school does 400 acts (100 for the 4 grades in the school). Each grade donates 100 items (or more) to a different local nonprofit. It’s awesome and a great way to get kids involved with compassion early!
Janine says
Jennifer, I love the 100 days 100 acts so much, too and the 400 acts over the 4 grades is even more awesome 😉
Echo says
Putting out into the world what you would like to get back! I love this, Janine! I love that you try to model compassion for the girls! It is one of the best things that we can do as mothers! Bravo!
Janine says
Aww, thanks Echo and know you are a great mom doing so much of the same with your kids, so I am honored that you think this of me 😉
Lisa Sadikman says
I have girls as well and I find they let compassion go by the wayside most often with each other. I know there’s something about feeling comfortable about letting all your emotions out with the ones you love most, but it takes it’s toll. We have lots of discussions around kindness and I know it translates to their actions outside the house. We’re still working on it inside the house! Thanks for a great post Janine.
Janine says
Thank you Lisa, too and inside the home is our daily struggle, too as you can see.
Kathy Tinnes Glow says
I love this movement. Can’t wait to read this.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Kathy, I hope you will join if you can, too and thank you for tweeting, too for me!!! 🙂 <3
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Awesome and so excited to read it now!! 😉
Kathy Tinnes Glow says
I’m working on something . . . 😉
Carrie Groneman says
Oh, isn’t it amazing what we learn about our self as we raise our kids and how we become advocates and negotiators all in one wonderful package?! You are amazing and I completely agree that learning to vocalize our feelings in a productive and kind way is the best way. Keep at it my friend! Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Janine says
Thanks so much Carrie and I will totally keep trying my best 😉
Jack says
Some of my friends are raising monsters who don’t know how to be nice because their parents don’t model and don’t do anything about bad behavior.
It makes me crazy to hear them say it is ok for kids to fight but do nothing about it.
It is ok to disagree and to fight with your siblings but sometimes parents need to insert themselves to help the kids learn how to disagree without killing each other.
Janine says
Jack, perfectly said and I just don’t get it either to be quite honest.
nabanita says
I think the bond between sisters is one of the strongest of all..I know for I have one…And there will be fights but when the time comes , the sisters will be together..And if they have been told about compassion then they will indeed spread it in each others lives and around
Janine says
Thank you Nabanita and I truly hope and pray for this with my girls 😉
Alexa says
That argument sounds about like our daily scuffles. I love your approach to teaching them compassion. Even though I think it is often hardest to show for a sibling. 🙂 I also love that your school does 100 acts of kindness for the 100th day. Good for them!
Janine says
Alexa, I know truly so hard with sibling compassion and just seriously a work in progress with that here daily.
Diane Roark says
Jamie,
I love the way to incorporated this story into a Fairy Tale. I also love your Happily Ever After ending. After all, that is the only thing that matters. When my kids needed to show a little respect and compassion toward each other, they too would have to do something to make it up to that person, like: making their bed, playing a game with them and letting them win, vacuuming their room, etc.
The best thing in the world to help with compassion for others is helping others.
Thanks for sharing this precious story. YOU ARE THE BEST MOM!
Many Blessings,
Diane Roark
Janine says
Aww, thank you Diane and so are you!! 😉
Ginny Marie says
We had no school yesterday because of the cold, and boy! It’s hard for two little girls to get along all day long!
Janine says
We have had a week here with school being closed for February break and compassion has sorely been lacking quite a bit, too!
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother says
My sister and I used to fight quite a bit but now we are as close as two peas in a pod. Children are never too young to learn compassion. You’re dong a good job here, Mom!
Janine says
Marcia, thank you and seriously you give me such hope!! 🙂
Linda Roy says
My oldest son Max was a typical older sibling complaining about his younger brother, teasing him, etc., until my youngest son Miles was diagnosed with Cancer. At that point, Max became his fierce protector. And although it was often difficult for him to take a back seat when Miles got so much attention, after all, with their 6 year age difference, Max had been used to getting all the love from Mom and Dad, he stepped up and showed an enormous amount of love and compassion. Now that Miles is Cancer free and 2 years off of treatment, it’s big brother business as usual, but he’s still that protective, loving big brother. I think kids really do have that sense of loyalty and kinship ingrained in them.
Janine says
Linda, while I am so sorry your son had cancer, I love that your boys bonded over this and definitely made me very happy to hear this. Also, made me smile that now it is still big brother business, as usual! 😉
Denise says
It really does start with us as parents teaching our children compassion and continuing to guide our children as they learn. I try to give my girls positive reinforcement when they show compassion and kindness. When they don’t, I try to remind them of the importance of being kind. It’s a process that doesn’t stop. Great post, Janine! 🙂
Janine says
Thanks Denise and I agree this is truly a process that never ends 😉
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
Since I am an only child i find the sibling dynamic to be so interesting! Watching my two boys now is really awesome, they fight sometimes, an d they both get jealous of the other but I think the best is yet to come since my 3 year old is really starting to come into his personality.
Janine says
Nellie, my mom was an only child, too and she has said on more then one occasion she too has always found sibling interactions the most interesting, as well, because of this, too. And my now 4 year old truly came into hers at at a little over 3, too – so look out if yours is anything like mine 😉
Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. says
It’s so hard with sisters, isn’t it? They love each other fiercely, and yet they fight with such bitterness! I am amazed at how beautifully my girls treat each other with true compassion… and then minutes or hours later can turn on each other! I think no matter what, they know they always love each other.
Janine says
Stephanie, I never had a sister and only had a brother, so I am constantly amazed how truly hard it is with sisters.You described it perfectly and yet I knew you would totally get this, as we have this and so much more in common with our girls. Thank you so much for letting me know it isn’t just my girls.
Dana says
As an older sister myself, I remember it being difficult to show compassion to my annoying little sis! Now we are the best of friends, though, and I’m sure your girls will be too. You just have to survive in the interim!
Janine says
Dana, thank you for the encouragement and am trying my best to be hopeful with my girls for the future and what lies ahead now.
Jen says
Janine these are great tips! I hate when my kids are less than compassionate with each other and I let them know it and then there are times where they will blow me away with their compassion and care of a sick or sad sibling. Once my oldest heard that there was a boy who was teasing her younger brother. The next day at school she tracked that boy down and told him he had better stop or he would not like the repercussions. She can be pretty fierce just like the rest of our crew and even though they all fight with one another I know that the will work to protect and defend one another when their Dad and I are long gone.
Janine says
Jen, I am so hopeful for that, too and I know my girls have each others backs with other, but will each other sometimes not so much, but hopeful for that to come too as they grow. Thank you 😉
Jhanis says
Janine I feel you! My little girl is hot tempered and is such a diva! I try to be patient but ugh! I agree with uou about letting them express their anger and showing them how to express it the right way. Compassion truly have to start at home.
Janine says
Jhanis, I am seriously glad isn’t just my girl and definitely couldn’t agree more that it starts at home.
Rea says
I think it’s best that you acknowledge their emotions first rather than just telling them to stop and be kind to each other. So I agree with you on that. Siblings fights are pretty normal right. My younger brother and I would always fight when we were kids but we never did when we were teens until now. In fact, we’re closer than ever. 🙂
Janine says
Rea, this made me smile and again gave me more hope then you know! 😉
Gingi says
This blog post makes my heart so happy, especially after my blog post from yesterday on my fears on having a second baby! I love seeing these loving photos of your little girls.. I want that so desperately for my children!! Great post my friend! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Janine says
You just made me smile more then you know and thank you Gingi for sharing this with me xoxo 😉
Gingi says
<3 Thank you for your kind comment on my blog! I really can't wait to meet this little girl in my belly!!
Janine says
Gingi, I loved your article and I meant what I said. Hugs to you and cannot wait for you to meet your little girl either 😉
Chris Carter says
AW!!! You are so cute to theme this with the princesses!!! Your kingdom is amazingly beautiful and surely seems to be FILLED with compassion for those two lucky girls!! Those are such wonderful ways to teach this very thing, Janine!! And my gosh, those two adorable princesses are true ROYALTY!!
Janine says
Aww, thank you Chris and I am seriously hopeful for compassion to be something my girls grow up seeing more and more 😉
Nina says
I agree—I think it’s really important to label the emotion rather than tell them to just get over it. I usually tell my kids, “You seem ‘mad'” because next time I want them to use the words instead of a tantrum, and to not feel bad if they feel mad, knowing everyone feels the same as some point as well.
Janine says
Nina, I couldn’t agree more and as you I am hopeful that they will indeed recognize the emotion and own up to it instead of the full blown tantrum for the next time, as well.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
My girls fight like crazy! We’ve been really working on trying to foster compassion between them but it’s no easy task, that’s for sure!
I like that your school hosting 100 acts of kindness… how lovely.
You shared some great ideas and reflections here. Thank you!
xoxo
Janine says
Jennifer, i definitely think it is a sister and sibling thing for sure. Happy to be able to share some tips though!!! Xoxo 😉
Elizabeth Hein says
You make an excellent point about learning to manage anger between sisters. I have two girls as well and there were many days when they were not happy with each other, but we worked hard on finding ways to express anger without damaging their relationship. One thing I stressed, and still do now that they are adults, is that they be united in their sisterhood even on the days they don’t necessarily like each other. That bond of love is strong.
Janine says
Elizabeth, I very much agree that the bond of love is indeed very strong with sisters. Thanks 😉
Tracy@CrazyAsNormal says
I know 437 people have said this already, but as an older sister who spent years bickering with her little sister – today we are best friends who don’t go a day without talking to each other. We love each other without measure, because we had a mom who did. You’re on the right path – and I promise you’re gonna’ love the outcome. 🙂
Janine says
Tracy, thank you so much and have so much hope indeed for the future for my girls 😉
Sandy Ramsey says
I love the princess theme on compassion you’ve gone with here, Janine! It certainly fits in perfectly for your girls. You are so very blessed to have those princesses and you and Kevin are doing a wonderful job teaching them love and compassion. This is such a great addition to #1000Speak!
Janine says
Thank you so much, Sandy and I really was so happy I could add my voice here. Huge thank you for being such an integral part and giving me a chance to share my family’s dealings with compassion with our girls!! 😉
Aunt Gloria says
Such a wonderful gift you’re giving the girls by teaching them how to be compassionate – of others and themselves. We all have our moments but it’s good when we can get past the anger and learn to forgive and forget. What a wonderful world it would be if we all did that! Keep up the good work of getting the compassion message across to the girls. Happy weekend! xxoo
Janine says
Aww, thanks again and always, Aunt Gloria. Have a great weekend, too xoxo 😉
Anna Fitfunner says
Janine, I have to admit that I was and am expecting that your daughters will show compassion to each other over the years. Certainly, Kevin and you are setting a wonderful and thoughtful example. Plus, you are placing them in school environments that support developing compassion. But what honestly convinced me of their compassion for one another is that picture of the two girls hugging. They look so genuinely happy in each other’s arms. I can’t imagine that they’d ever allow themselves to be split apart, certainly not be acting unkindly to one another past the point of no return. When in doubt, go with the photographic evidence!
Janine says
Anna, thank you for saying that and I know I have many photos of them hugging like that and this one just happens to be one of my favorites, as they really just are so very happy and then some 😉
Allie @ The Latchkey Mom says
I love the way you approached this Janine. Oh, sibling compassion – a never-ending quest in this house!
Janine says
Allie, I know this truly is the never ending quest here it seems, too!
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says
Sometimes it is a challenge to get along with family, with those closest to us. You’re doing all the right things and have some really wonderful options and opportunities here for your girls.
Janine says
Thanks so much, Lisa and just trying our best with the girls now.
The Pinterested Parent says
My sister & I have an 11 year age difference. I think that huge gap is what actually kept us from fighting. We were not close until we were older, but now we are besties. I think it is wonderful that your girls have each other. They will fight each other, but always have each other’s back. They are so cute.
Janine says
Thanks for sharing that with me and you truly hope they will always have each other’s backs.
Darla says
My son 15 has always been extremely compassionate towards his little sis, 12. Her, not so much. It has been a challenge teaching my princess daughter to be more compassionate towards her brother. I enjoyed this post and your happy ending! Thank you
Janine says
Darla, definitely saw this actually with my own brother, who had so much patience and compassion for me growing up and me not so much in reverse. Thankfully, I outgrew this and think there has to be hope on all fronts. Thanks for reading and commenting, too 😉
April G says
I’ve heard a lot about what’s going on with the Girl Scouts. I’ve never been in and have never had the opportunity to join. I think I want to get my kids involved though.
Janine says
April, I was a Girl Scout, too and was so hopeful when I signed Emma up and now more than ever happy I did! 😉