When Siblings Don’t Always Get Along (And That’s Okay – Even in a Soccer House)

I sometimes scroll and see these picture-perfect families where the kids all help out, take turns, clean the table, and laugh together in a spotless kitchen. Meanwhile, at our house? One kid’s doing dishes while another storms off because “he always leaves the spoon dirty.” One’s trying to practice a soccer move, and another decides now is the perfect time to cut in with chaos. Two screamers, one spilled water bottle, and someone yelling “Moooom!”

Sound familiar?

We’ve got four boys. Some dream of going far with soccer. Some just want to play in the backyard with their friends. And honestly? They all deserve the same love, support, and patience—because what we’re really raising here isn’t just players. We’re raising people. Brothers. Teammates. Human beings who will have good days and hard ones, sometimes all before lunch.

We play family soccer tournaments. And yes, someone always loses. You guessed right—the one who loses usually takes it hard. My older ones will sometimes let the younger win, but they also want to play fair. And that’s okay too. They're figuring it out, just like on any team.

Even in the frustration and fighting, there are beautiful moments—when one brings a little treasure chest prize home from school for a brother, or helps clean up someone else’s mess without being asked. I see glimpses of the teammates I hope they’ll be in life, not just on the field.

Not every moment is Instagram-worthy. But the grit, the competition, the tenderness beneath it all? That’s where the real game is played.

If your house is loud, messy, filled with opinions, dramatic monologues, and unexpected slide tackles in the hallway—you’re not alone. You’re in the middle of raising real kids. Whether they’re working on first touches, learning lines for a play, or just running around barefoot, they deserve our encouragement.

And the biggest thing I want to pass down, just like my parents told me: no matter how small or big the dream—if there’s a will, there’s a way.

So we keep showing up. As their biggest fans. On the sidelines. In the kitchen. After the arguments. Always.

💬 How do your kids get along?

Leave a comment—I’d love to hear how sibling dynamics play out in your home.