Developing a relationship with anyone can be tedious and reeked with pitfalls, much less, if that relationship is with a half sibling.
Living in tight spaces, having to see that person almost every minute of every day, can drive you up the wall.
Your new stepparent and your biological parent have gooey eyes for each other and no one is giving you the attention that you need. Where you were once a priority in the household, you are now an afterthought, and you must share that with a stranger.
The life of a child, in a blended family, can be tough.
How to Deal with Sharing a House with a Half Sibling
Yes, the rules dictate that you must be kind, thoughtful and compassionate. But there are times when all you want is the power to turn back the hands of time.
Thanos was really onto something when he tried to get all those “Infinity Stones,” in the Avengers, “Infinity Wars.” Even Hulk loses it on occasion, though everyone and everything around him usually pays the price. And if Iron Man gets to throw a tantrum every now and again and go off the rails, why can’t you?
But, no. You can’t “Hulk Smash” and blow your new sibling to kingdom come. Or at least you aren’t allowed.
Maybe, it’s because you are playing the long game. Maybe, it’s because they are probably in the same situation as you and feel the same way that you do.
After all, neither of you asked for this blended mess. It is unfair, isn’t it, to both of you?
Be the Bigger Person
In life, sometimes you just have to be the bigger person. After all, you know better and are able to do better. Your piece of mind probably means more to you than another person occupying the bedroom next to yours.
And you could wake up ten minutes earlier to get to the bathroom
There are ways to not get caught up in the hurricane of emotions that rips through your mind every time you catch a glimpse of them hogging the remote or smiling up gaily at your mother.
After all, she is your biological mother. No one will ever win her heart like you do.
Avoid confrontations
All you have to do is avoid confrontations. Have a clear plan in mind, and even present elements of it to your parents, if necessary. After all, there are a few things you might need permission for.
If you have a DVR, you can record your programs earlier and watch them at any time. Also, if you are old enough, you could show real independence by getting a part time job. This would give you some extra cash, time outside of the house and resources for when you need to escape on a Friday and/or Saturday evening.
You could probably convince your parents to let you buy your own television, with the funds you got from your part time job or even convince them to pay for half.
Yes, you can be the bigger person
You can take the Zen approach. Count to 100 when the half sibling gets on your nerves and walk them out. You can charm them, just as you did everyone else.
And later, they will be jumping around to give you want you want. Even, if it kicks in when you are adults.
Remember, you are playing the long game
If your parent’s relationship last, they could be around for another dozen or so years.
And yes, you can outlast, outsmart and outthink them, for the next how many years, until you are either off to college or living in your own place.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel
This is true. If you hold on to the reality, that it will someday end, you will make it out fine.
Everything Can Work With A Carefully Thought Out Strategy.
You never know if all this works out you might even write a book more popular than “The Art of the Deal” one day. It is all about playing the long game and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
If you focus on the immediate storm around you, you will get caught up in the devastating effects.
But, you can operate from a higher vantage point. You can get a better lay of the land and plan for all eventualities. Just be the bigger person. Show your parents that you are mature enough to handle and avoid the constant disagreements.
Even consider your half sibling’s feelings and having to come into a new territory. If they have to constantly be between two homes themselves, and have visitation with their other parent, they could be having a hard time.
Show some consideration and ask how they are on occasion. After they stop barking at you, eventually they could consider you a friend and open up. Sometimes, their behavior will stem as an effect of the divorce or separation than any misplaced resentment that arises towards you.
Sometimes your half brother or half sister is just missing their old life, missing their parents, missing traditions and battling with old memories.
Give them a cup of kindness every day and see how this half sibling relationship, could turn into a lifelong friendship.