The moment I found out I was pregnant with another girl I was elated; simply because growing up I always wanted a sister and now God was giving me the opportunity to raise sisters. I know, selfish reason, it’s not about me right? But it is! I always imagined sisterhood to be like a continuous slumber party; like having your best friend spend the night with you every night. No one told me, prepared me for or even tried to explain that I would spend countless hours playing the dual role of mother and referee!  Believe me, had I known this, I would’ve majored in conflict resolution or at least took a refereeing class in college. I’m really starting to believe that parenting done right qualifies you for any occupation – judge, chef, doctor; you pick.

Granted, the arguing and fussing between siblings can become annoying, but most of the time it is very entertaining: Like the day they learned what it means to be your sister’s keeper.

First, let me give you a little background on both of my gals. Koryn, 9, is my oldest girl, she is so sweet and very sensitive. This is the child that I would hate see anyone pick on. She truly wants to be nice to everyone, but she is still big sis and reminds us of that often. Then there is Tierney, 6, my youngest, my last. She is also sweet in her own way but is not so sensitive. This is the child that says whatever is on her mind, whenever it is on her mind (I’m still trying to figure out where she gets it from! *wink, wink). Despite their opposite personalities they are as thick as thieves.

Well on this particular day we were in the car headed home from track practice and the conversation went a little like this:

Tierney: Koryn, can I see your IPod?

Koryn: No Tierney.

Tierney: (with her grown woman attitude) You never let me see it! That’s why I’m not going to help you raise your kids!

Koryn: (Bursts out in tears) Tierney why would you say that! You know I won’t be able to raise my kids without your help! 

Tierney: So!

This was my cue to step in. So many things were running through my mind like: Where do they get these things from? Where is her husband when the raising process is going on? Why are they even thinking this far in advance? Does this mean I’m going to be a grandma one day?

As funny as it was, I realized it hurt Koryn’s feelings because she never imagined her sister not being there for the important times in her life. At their young ages they already know they have each other to depend on. This is why I knew, as mommy and referee Hollie, it was time to have a discussion about the importance of sisterhood.

As we continued home, these are the values I worked to instill in and reinforce with my gals:

1. You are your sister’s keeper. You are blessed to have each other, so take care of and protect each other.
2. Your sister is your best friend. Friends and boyfriends will come along but your sister still comes first. (refer back to No.1)
3. Challenge and hold each other accountable. I will not always be here to do that. (refer back to No.1)
4. Always make time for each other. (refer back to No.1)
5. Speak life into each other. You can’t take back the mean things you say, so love and be kind to one another while you have the chance. (refer back to No.1)

We realized that day that a sibling bond is strong but the relationship between sisters is something remarkable, something to be encouraged and protected. It is so much more than a continuous slumber party, it is a bond that establishes the foundation for friendships and other relationships from now throughout adulthood. It is a beautiful kinship. I’m proud knowing that they understand what it means to be their sister’s keeper and thrilled to see their relationship grow and blossom. The best part is that they were able to work it out and I’m pretty sure Tierney will indeed help Koryn raise her kids (Again, where is her husband going to be? I’m so confused about this but I’ll let it go for now). Now, I can’t tell you that these lessons have stopped the arguing and fussing but I can say the number of threats to kick them out of the car have decreased tremendously!