Siblings Archives - Forever In Mom Genes

Awful Skater, Awesome Brother

boy on his knees on backyard skating rink shooting a puck

Jan 03 2021

We wanted our kids to learn to skate. I mean, can you even call yourself Canadian if you can’t glide on “blade boots?” For several years we constructed a practise rink in our backyard. Sadly, that ended after what will now forever be known as, “The Great Thaw and Neighbour’s Yard Flood” of 2012. Our son enjoyed the rink while it lasted (though mostly on his knees which will make sense as you read on). His little sister longed to join him on the ice. However, teaching her to skate wasn’t a priority. We needed to get her walking without falling down all the time first. She tried skating for the first time with a local organization called ErinOakKids in their skating program for kids with disabilities. I wrote about that HERE. Let’s just say, skating with Avery aka “Spaghetti Legs” had its challenges. My husband didn’t skate as a child. He taught himself just a decade ago. He won’t win any medals, but he’s decent considering he learned so late in the game. Avery’s older brother never excelled on the ice either. But it wasn’t from lack of trying. We signed him up for lessons when he was four[…]

Sep 16 2019

Today was a Professional Development Day in our school district, so both my high schooler and middle schooler had the day off. Phew! The poor kids have been back at school for nine gruelling days. Time for a much-needed break. I didn’t realize the kids would be home and I had a fitness class booked for that morning. A good friend was coming to try her first class and I didn’t want to miss it, so I decided to let my son look after his sister. He’s sixteen and more than mature enough to babysit for an hour. But I hesitated (understatement). He’s fully capable. The cog in my helicopter parent propeller is the idea of putting so much responsibility on his shoulders, broad as they may be. If something serious should happen—a seizure, or choking, or a fall (all possible occurrences), it’s all on him. That’s a lot to put on a child. Okay, a man-child, but you know what I mean. I struggle with letting my son take control, letting them figure things out, and letting my daughter have a break from me breathing down her adorable neck. Chances are high that absolutely nothing dramatic will happen. But it’s the[…]

Sep 05 2017

My daughter packed her backpack weeks ago in giddy anticipation of returning to school. She asked me to paint her nails and “do her hair pretty.” She couldn’t be more excited to start grade six. My son was in denial that summer was ending right up until the end. He gave little thought to his first day of high school outfit. He wasn’t even planning on brushing his hair until I “suggested” it. I pleaded with him to let me take him shopping, but he refused. “Mum, I’ve got enough clothes. I’m fine.” Kind of hard to take him seriously when he’s arguing his point in mismatched socks and pants that are miles too short. But he’s in high school now. He’s a big boy. In short pants. His pants, his choice I guess. (Mind you, I went to the mall today and bought him a few new things against his will. I can’t have the kid looking like he’s been stuffed into shrunken kahkis all year.) High school… no longer at our local elementary. He’s moved on and this is the first time his little sister will be at school without him. At first she didn’t make the connection. “What?[…]

A Brother Shows His True Colours For His Special Sister

Sep 26 2014

You know when people comment on a video or a blog post saying, “This brought me to tears” or “This made me bawl”? Sometimes it’s true. But more often it’s merely a sentimental response to an emotional topic. When I watched this video however, I literally sobbed. I cried out loud, which I have to say is both cleansing and bloody exhausting. And now through red swollen eyes I’m attempting to share this amazing tribute by a brother to his sister. This sweet and crazy talented young boy of eleven, the same age as my son, wrote and performed this song (a cover of True Colours by Cindy Lauper) about his sister, eight years old, the same age as my special little girl. Sarah was born with Down Syndrome, but her big brother Matt doesn’t see her as different—he sees her as special in all the best ways. My son loves his sister more than anything. He made a video about her to help explain her differences to his peers at school. I guess this one of the reasons why this story touches me so deeply. If you watch anything online today, you must watch this video below. It’s simply[…]

May 15 2014

Avery’s mane of wavy blonde hair was a long time coming, but now at seven years old, her crowning glory is fierce and fabulous. To prevent glue and lunch and sand and small birds and whatever else from getting stuck in her hair during the day, I tie it back or braid it every morning. I won’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent on You Tube trying to master the fishtail braid… The other morning I was running way behind. As I was frantically throwing lunches together I could hear the kids upstairs brushing their teeth. “Stay still Avery,” I heard my son say to his sister. “Okay now look. How’s that?” he asked her. “Wow… I booootiful!” Avery announced. She came downstairs proudly sporting a messy but awesome ponytail ala her brother (the elastic basically fell out before Avery reached the kitchen). “Maybe you should give me a ponytail lesson? In case you’re sick or away or something so I know how to do Avery’s hair for school.” Aw Sebastian. You’re mummy’s hairo. xo

Tag - Siblings

Awful Skater, Awesome Brother

Letting Our Son Care For His Sibling With Special Needs

Separated Siblings: She Waves Goodbye As He Leaves For High School

A Brother Shows His True Colours For His Special Sister

Family Hairstory