Chapter 2 Your Family 39
You can achieve good sibling
relations by several means. First,
listen to what your brothers and
sisters are saying. Try to understand
their moods and feelings. Also,
share your thoughts and concerns
with them. Keeping communication
lines open is as important in sibling
relationships as in others.
Respect the property and
possessions of your siblings. Ask
before borrowing their belongings.
Knock before entering their rooms.
If you share a room, show respect
by keeping your clothes, books, and
other items picked up. Be sure to do
your share of the cleaning chores, too.
Cooperation among family
members to achieve family goals can
help sibling relationships. Cooperation means everyone works together and does
their share. For instance, your sister may be performing in the school play. The play is
going to run three nights. You volunteer to do her chores at home those three nights
so she can be in the play. She will return the favor when you have some evening
events to attend. Cooperation makes life easier and more enjoyable for all family
members. When you cooperate, you are letting others know you care about them.
Relationships with Grandparents
Grandparents are special people. They may live far away from you, or they
may live in your own home. You may see them a few times a year or every day.
Some grandparents work full-
time, others are retired. Some
may be healthy and others
may be very frail. Some play
tennis, ski, or swim. Others have
hobbies such as woodworking
and gardening.
Many teens have very
special relationships with their
grandparents. Time spent with
your grandparents can be very
enjoyable. Getting to know your
grandparents may give you a
better understanding of your
parents. You may fi nd it easier
to talk about your feelings or
problems with your grandparents.
2-5 These sisters are very close and enjoy spending
time together.
© Galina Barskaya/Shutterstock
Social Studies Connections
Learn About the Past
Grandparents can entertain you and enrich your
life with stories of their childhoods. They can tell you
many stories about your parents when they were
younger. Stories about historical events they may
have witnessed can also be interesting. They may
have visited or lived in places you have never seen.
Ask one of your grandparents or another older adult
to name a major historical fi gure that had an impact
on his or her life. Read a book about that person and
then have a discussion with your grandparent about
the person and events that took place at that time.
Refl ect
Enrich