Keep these tips in mind to make sure your teens are a positive influence for your younger siblings:

1. Build trust with your teens. With time, your teens will naturally become a role model to younger siblings, building your trust that they will provide a positive and responsible influence. Look for evidence of responsible choices and reinforce those choices. Ultimately, you have to trust your gut, since you know your teens’ habits and personalities. If you don’t feel they’re ready, give them opportunities to grow and build not only their confidence, but yours as well.

2. Establish clarity. Responsible choices are made easier when there is clarity. Make sure you clearly communicate your boundaries and expectations. What is off limits? Make sure your teens are on the same page, so they will lead by example.

3. Check in, reassess, repeat. As with any choices your kids make, support them in assessing their decisions.  Ask what they learned and if they would choose the same approach next time, or if they do anything differently. Include younger siblings in the conversation when appropriate; most times, we learn more through watching and listening to others. Even if your kids report back that everything went well, you can always use this as an opportunity to talk about choices. As parents, we can strengthen siblings’ bonds and build that positive influence.

Having your teens act as positive influences for your younger kids builds leadership and confidence. By leveraging the unique connection that is siblinghood, you can deepen their connections and build their responsibility.

For more on building connections with your kids, visit our website.