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In This Week’s Newsletter:
Quote of The Week - Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. - Cicero
Javaree Talks - Modeling empathy in the moments that test us most
In the News - Gratitude in parenting
Good on Social - Strengthen the sibling bond
JAVAREE TALKS
Lately, my son has been learning what it means to share space with his younger sister, and her toddler curiosity doesn’t make it easy. Every time he picked up a toy, she wanted the same one, and vice versa. What started as little annoyances was turning into daily frustrations for both of them.
Then something shifted. Instead of jumping in to referee, I tried helping him see that he could lead the solution. I acknowledged both of their feelings: “I know it’s hard when she always wants what you have.” Then I asked, “What could you do to help her join in without it being so frustrating?”
He thought about it and said, “Maybe I can give her some of my toys to play with, or we can build something together.” Yesterday, they spent about 20 minutes side by side, constructing a village from magnetic tiles.
Now, instead of a constant tug-of-war, I’m seeing small moments of teamwork: him assigning her tasks, her bringing him blocks, both of them laughing. It reminded me that gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you. It’s about seeing the good in each other, even in moments of conflict.
By encouraging kids to solve problems together, we teach them that gratitude and empathy are active skills. It’s not about who’s right — it’s about staying connected while finding a solution. Gratitude, in this sense, becomes a bridge: it helps siblings appreciate one another’s efforts and remember they’re on the same team.
When dads model this, we show that love and fairness can coexist, that it’s possible to hold boundaries and still lead with kindness.
Try these ideas to turn sibling conflict into connection:
When conflict arises, name what’s happening instead of taking sides. (“You both want the same toy.”)
“What could we do so both people feel okay?” invites collaboration over competition.
Catch the kids solving problems together and call it out. (“I love how you worked that out.”)
Teach that being older doesn’t always mean being right, and being younger doesn’t always mean being excused.
At bedtime, ask each child to name one thing they appreciated about their sibling that day, or tell them if they aren’t speaking yet (in my case)
These small practices help kids see that gratitude and problem-solving go hand in hand, and that love isn’t about always getting your way, but about learning to stay connected through it all.
IN THE NEWS
GOOD ON SOCIAL
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