Let's Talk Siblings
There’s a good chance that a sibling relationship will last longer than most other relationships in life. Many times, siblings can help children to define what they value and look for in other relationships. Siblings can also help each other to develop self-regulation and emotional understanding as they grow up together. All relationships will have some conflict, and this can promote growth … but it can be tough, especially when you live together, or even share a bunk bed!
In this episode, Todd talks with two groups of siblings (Eloise, Oliver, and Theo & Kettner and Reece) about what it’s like to be siblings. Then they pile into a flying station wagon to visit the Land of Qook-a-Lackas, where they help a pair of Qook-a-leekie siblings, Kaiway and Kannon, sort through their conflict!
Guest Stars in Let's Talk Siblings
The roles of Kaiway and Kannon are played by Jenn Lyon and Henry Vick. Jenn is an actress/writer/producer who lives in Brooklyn and is currently shooting a new show for HBO in Vancouver called “Dead Boy Detectives” and most recently starred on “Claws” on TNT. Henry is an entertainer, writer and performer living and working in NYC.
The ukulele music and the original song “I’m Such a Lucky One” are written and performed by Bill English. Bill is an actor, musician, and voiceover artist based in NYC.
Original Song: I'm Such a Lucky One
“I’m Such a Lucky One” is written and performed by Bill English, an actor, musician, and voiceover artist based in NYC.
Educator Resources
Parents: Help the siblings in your family appreciate each other’s differences. As a grown-up, you can model how to respectfully disagree and work through the inevitable conflicts that pop up in a family! These are lessons your children will take with them into adulthood. Also focus on giving each child the opportunity to be independent and do things on their own, as well as the opportunity to work together.
Educators: Siblings can have a big impact on children’s social and emotional development, and it’s likely that sibling relationships will come to your classroom … even if you only have one child in a family physically in your classroom. Often, little siblings might feel like they’re “not good” at a new skill because they’ve seen their big sibling do it already — and do it better. You might hear about fights or things that happened that are “not fair.” These obstacles are opportunities for learning — for all of the children in your classroom.
These extension activities will help parents and educators to support children (Pre-K to Grade 3) as they explore the relationship dynamic of siblings. Even those without siblings can benefit from these themes!