Being a Better Brother

Today is National Brothers Day!

We all want to be the best we can be, especially when it comes to loving the people God’s placed in our lives.

So, on this National Brothers Day, here are a few characteristics that you can embrace to be a more intentional brother (or sister).

Models Good Behavior
One of the most positive ways a brother can affect his siblings is by being a positive role model. Setting a good example for his brothers and sisters to follow can help younger sibs better navigate social decisions.

Is Closer Than a Friend
Although friends may change over time, a good brother is there for the long haul.  Family members have a unique, special bond with each other that differs from the bonds that friends have, typically also having a deeper knowledge of each other. This deeper knowledge is gained from years of living together as well as having this shared history. Having a positive relationship with his older brother has been shown to increase the likelihood that the younger sibling will have healthy feelings of self-worth and fewer signs of depression.

Is Honest Yet Tactful
Honesty is an essential part of any healthy relationship. This trait is particularly important among family members and siblings. A good brother should maintain an open, honest way of treating his siblings. This doesn’t mean that he should relay the brutal truth. Telling the truth without tact can hurt a sibling’s feelings and cause distress. A good brother is honest and positive, without being mean.

Has a Good Ear
Telling siblings what they should do isn’t the only way that brothers can show stellar communication skills. A good brother is an active listener, takes in what his siblings have to say and processes it before responding. Active listening involves paying attention to what the other person is saying to understand his point of view.

(Excerpted from oureverydaylife.com)