In the Heinisch home it was established early that there would be no mercy shown between siblings. We have no princess in our home, even though Meg's the only girl. It doesn't matter that Cam is four years younger than his next oldest sibling - there is no baby. The four of them expect each other to work hard and try their best on everything they do. It's a no excuses, no holds barred atmosphere and I love it!
We didn't start out this way. Not having siblings for the majority of my life, I didn't really understand sibling dynamics. Thus, Doug set the tone for this part of our life. There is no name calling allowed. Physical confrontations are forbidden. Challenging one another to do his or her best, however, is strongly encouraged!
As the Heinisch children have grown I have seen them stop one another when a sibling plays the wrong note on the piano, demonstrate the correct form for shooting a basketball, kick rocket like soccer balls at each other to improve their goalie skills, quiz each other on spelling bee words, study Bible verses together, play countless hours of chess for an upcoming tourney and the list goes on. Their dedication to pushing each other to succeed was never more evident than a month ago. Cal had an assignment due in Honors Algebra 2 that he had left in his locker after basketball practice. As Cal and I were arguing about going back to get it (me) or doing it before school (him), Brett stepped up with his truck keys. "Come on Cal, we're heading back." Argument over!
There have been issues along the way - Cam refused to write stories when he was five, because his siblings would constantly correct his spelling or critique his illustrations. Overall, though, I think their approach has had more positives than negatives - an Academic Superbowl State Champion, 2nd in conference for golf, Science Fair winner and multiple years on the Principal's Honor Roll. So if you drove by our home tonight and heard Cal chanting, "Cam's a chump! Cam's a chump!" (not a misspelling!) Ignore it! Just a life lesson from one brother to another!
I like the rules your husband set down. Sounds like they have worked to develop a culture of encouragement in your house!
ReplyDeleteI love the family dynamics. THat's the way it should be between siblings and family. Great parenting!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to encourage your children to always be looking out for one another. They will no doubt appreciate this, especially when they are older and can reflect on the special bond they all had.
ReplyDeleteI love how your family gets along it must be calming to know if your in trouble your family still loves you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great family with a respectful way of getting everyone to do their best. Set a high bar and it's amazing how people rise to the expectations, isn't it? Fun post to read!
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