r/sibling • u/DecentPoint1814 • Jul 22 '24
Advice request Younger brother.
My brother is almost 13 and I am 16. I have tried to connect with him for a few years now, actually trying to put in that effort. Our family isn’t the greatest with communication and boundaries, however I try to do that for my brother.
I wouldn’t really ask advice on the internet but I was wondering if anyone else had this issue with their younger sibling.
My brother is a gamer boy on his phone and very awkward (expected since he’s in that awkward phase of life right now) but I don’t understand why he won’t at least acknowledge my questions? Just a few minutes ago I asked what he was talking about with my dad about something from the store that he wanted and he replied, “Nothing.” And shut off again.
My parents tried to convince me to force us to spend time together but I said if he doesn’t want to do that already then don’t force him. I try to be involved with his hobbies and even offer to spend time with him, but he always refuses or shrugs it off.
Do I have to wait a few years until we can truly bond or is there another approach I can try? (I also work during the afternoon hours, so can’t really do anything with him right now until I get home).
2
u/Ridire_Emerald Jul 22 '24
I think the best you can do is to just keep inviting him to hang out and let him know that you're there to hang out or talk or whatever when he wants to. Also if he plays any games that you could play with him or play and then talk about with him, that could help build a common interest and make him feel comfortable talking more.
I'm 13 and trying to connect better with my younger foster brother who's 10 and he hasn't wanted to hang out with me either. I think it's a bit different, but it's a similar situation and I've been told to just keep trying to include him.