Bonding to siblings is a very important connection for an adoptee to have and maintain for a number of reasons. As we get older, we need the family connection for support, sharing, and for our children. As young people, we just do not always understand this. We may get caught up in the differences that each of us may feel. Whether it is differences with adopted or birth children or maybe some of both.

I speak from experience as an adoptee and an adoptive mother. I was adopted with my sister into an adoptive family that already had a birth child. I also, have a birth daughter and adopted two children that are siblings. The funny thing is I was the same age as my mom when I adopted my children as she was. I have learned a lot from all sides and I am still learning.

I struggled with bonding and forming that sibling relationship with my older sister. I kind of thought it just happened or it did not and that you could not force a relationship between people. After watching my children connect with each other and struggle with their relationship, I have a different outlook.

Sibling relationships can be important to us as we get older. They are the ones that will always be there for us. When things go wrong in our lives or we are just having a bad day, it can be so comforting to call our sister or brother to share our lives with.

There are so many different things that have an impact on siblings' relationships (i.e. age differences, personalities, if one of them lived as an only child, culture, if a child has a disability and other factors). With commitment and help, these issues or differences can be overcome.

Two other posts will follow this one that also cover siblings' relationships and how to help bridge relationships between siblings.

Related artilces at adoption.com:

Bonding and Attachment: When it Goes Right

Adult Attachment