Calls home are such a blessing. And making time for siblings to connect is so important!
Sibling phone calls are a great way to stay close and keep in touch, especially when you can't be together. These calls let siblings share stories, laugh, and support each other through good times and bad. Talking regularly helps keep the bond strong and shows that you care about each other's lives. It's a simple way to make sure you stay connected and maintain a loving relationship. Building this kind of closeness is important because it helps siblings feel loved and supported, creating a lasting connection.
Each sibling relationship is different too. Some can talk for hours, and some struggle, especially over the phone. I had one missionary who could engage with the younger siblings with ease, while another one struggled each week to find stuff to say.
This week’s printable shares some ideas on what a sibling can ask a missionary, as well as what the missionary can ask back. Whether conversation flows easily, or does not, these are good ideas to get to learn more about each other.
TIPS AND TRICKS
You can laminate these, then before the call, you can have the sibling (especially if they are younger) put a check by the questions they want to ask this week. Then each week you can wipe off the check marks and pick new ones for the next week. I find that crayons clean off the best from lamination. Dry erase markers work pretty well too, you just don’t want the marker to sit on there for a long time or else it is hard to rub off.
You can mail the other page to your missionary so they can do the same and ask questions back.
You can have a notepad that you bring out for every phone call, and encourage your missionary to do the same, so both can write down the responses from the other, so they can follow up with them next week, and use exact names and details to follow up with.
Here are a couple suggestions! We have more- WAY more. Check them our in our printable "Siblings Helps for Calling Home" available in the shop now! (We'll link it at the bottom of the blog too :)
IDEAS FOR WHAT TO TALK ABOUT - younger sibling edition:
- Share what’s going on at school, something you learned or a funny thing that happened with your friends.
- Share how things are going with extracurricular activities - sports, youth activities, music
- What's the most exciting thing you've done recently?
- How are things going at school? Any favorite subjects or new activities?
QUESTIONS YOUNGER SIBLINGS CAN ASK:
- What is different about where you live vs being at home?
- Do you know anybody who is my age? Can you tell me about them?
- Have you tried any new foods? What's your favorite and least favorite?
For more ideas and suggestions, check out our printable below!
If you are interested in more ideas on how to support missionaries our in the field, sign up for our weekly email HERE.
What moms need to prepare before their missionary leaves Lds missionary preparation What to do before my sons mission How to prepare for an lds mission Sister missionary preparation Missionaries stuck inside Missionaries dealing wiht COVID Locked in your apartment as a missionary Missionary lock down activities Missionary companion sick
Comments