Want to nurture strong relationships between your kids (and decrease the constant squabbles)? Try some of these “team-building” activities for sibling bonding!
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We have officially reached the point of the summer when everyone has had PLENTY of quality time together, if you know what I mean. On the one hand, it has been a valuable time of bonding and building conflict resolution skills. On the other hand, it means there has been so. much. bickering.
Related Post: How to Survive (& Thrive!) During Summer Break
Without a doubt, some sibling conflict is normal, and healthy, even! We don’t want to quash every squabble and sign of discord. That only teaches kids to repress emotions and gloss over conflict, rather than resolving it. A little friction between siblings can actually provide valuable problem-solving practice.
That being said, strong sibling bonds are one of the pillars of the family culture I’m trying to build. Not only will it foster more peace in our home, but their relationships are going to be lifelong sources of support, encouragement, and friendship.
There are MANY ways I’m intentionally working to cultivate strong sibling relationships, but one of them is incorporating more team-building activities into our daily lives. Having common goals and learning how to work cooperatively to achieve them is essential for building strong teams, so I started looking for ways to create more opportunities for that for my kids. Following are some of my favorite ideas I found in my research.
Resource Recommendation: Siblings Without Rivalry
(or listen to it on Audible!)
10 Team-Building Activities for Sibling Bonding
If you would like to nurture strong relationships between your kids and decrease the constant squabbling (and what parent wouldn’t??), try some of the following team-building activities for sibling bonding.
1. The Floor Is Lava
You’re probably familiar with this game. Pretend the floor is lava, and encourage your kids to work together to find ways to jump across couches, chairs, pillows, etc. without touching the floor.
2. Keep It Up (or Keepy Uppy, for all you Bluey fans!)
Get a balloon and toss it in the air. Without touching the ball with their hands, the kids have to keep the balloon from touching the floor. Encourage them to get creative with heads, noses, knees, feet, tummy, etc.
3. Stand Together
Have your kids sit on the floor with their backs touching and their arms linked at the elbows. Then, seek if they can stand up without undoing their position. For an added challenge, have them pick up items on the floor while linked together!
4. Tower Building
Gather items from around the house (plastic cups work great for this!) and see how tall of a tower they can build. Alternatives for older kids: see how strong of a bridge they can make with paper, toothpicks, or popsicle sticks!
5. Photo Scavenger Hunt
Give your kids a list of things to take pictures of around your house or other safe space. Here’s a helpful article with a list of clue ideas and tips for conducting a safe and enjoyable hunt.
Recommendation: This is a great first camera for kids!
6. Water Fight
Play kids vs. parents in an epic water fight (or snowball fight in the winter). They will LOVE teaming up against you, and it will be worth every water balloon or squirt gun stream sent your way.
Related Post: 10 Water Activities For Kids
7. Fort Construction
Let your kids gather blankets, pillows, chairs, and other furniture to build the ultimate living room fort. Leave it up for a few days to enjoy the fruits of their cooperative labor.
8. Master Chef
Challenge your kids to plan a meal, shop for groceries within a budget, and prepare their chosen menu. Make sure to praise their efforts regardless of the results (or mess!). The point is the collaboration more than the cooking, itself.
9. Event Planning
Have your kids plan a family outing. Encourage them to listen to everyone’s ideas and find ways to incorporate something each person enjoys.
10. LEGO Challenge
Find some fun and age-appropriate LEGO challenges online, and encourage your kids to work together to complete them. Here are a few you might want to try:
Visit the LEGO Store on Amazon to shop for best-selling kits and sets for all ages!
All these activities are great for sibling bonding. Do you have other ideas of ways to build strong sibling relationships? Share them in the comments below!
More Family Resources:
- 5 Ways to Build the Family Culture You Want
- 7 Ways to Build a Loving Family
- 30 Scriptural Prayers For Your Family
- How to Make a Family Discipleship Plan
- 50 Family Conversation Starters
- 50 Backyard Activities For Family Fun All Summer Long
- 20 Everyday Ways to Play as a Family
- 5 Ways to Maximize Your Family Time
- 30+ Movies to Watch As a Family
Share your thoughts!