Are they lonely? Maybe they just want to play. In that Are they trying to get your attention case, offer to spend more time with them. and don’t know how to express it, especially if they’re young? Try sharing a few things within your comfort zone. You can devote a bin in your room to things they are allowed to touch (and that are age appropriate). Let them know what the box is for, you might say: “Layla, I would like you to stay away from my action figures, but you can play with the coloring books and barbies”.
Be calm and cordial. Let them know that what they’re doing is a breach of trust in a calm, respectful manner. Don’t make it seem like they’re in trouble. Avoid being condescending.
Try saying, “I like spending time with you, but I have to study right now, okay?” Try talking to your sibling if they are old enough to understand. A helpful conversation may be enough to fix the issue. Ask them directly to stay away from your belongings, but be polite and don’t be demanding or condescending. For example, you might say to your sibling: “Andrew, I’ve noticed that you’ve been in my room when I’m not around and I don’t like it”. Tell them why it makes you upset rather shaming them. You could say to your sister: “Elsie, I like playing with you, but I would really appreciate it if you didn’t mess up my backpack because it takes me longer to get ready”. You get more flies with honey than vinegar. Be kind and your siblings will be more likely to cooperate.
For example, don’t assume your siblings are trying to annoy you on purpose. They might be lonely or just bored. You could say, “I’ll hang out with you in one hour if you let me be alone now. ”
Get together with your sibling and talk about privacy if they’re old enough. Let them know what you would like in the agreement and encourage them to add points as well. Make the agreement mutual, meaning both parties uphold the contact. For example, you might agree to stay out of their room if they promise do the same. Print the contract, sign it, and keep it in a prominent place so that you both know what is expected.
Find a hobby that you and your siblings enjoy. For example, if you and your siblings like playing board games, you can make a plan to play board games together every Sunday afternoon. Ask your parents if you can join a hobby class with your siblings. For example, you can attend a crafting or pottery class with your siblings. Having familiar people around when you’re starting something new with a group of strangers can help you and your siblings to bond.
Try saying, “Could you give me some ideas on how to get my siblings to respect my privacy?”[4] X Research source Try asking, “Can you make a ‘knock first’ policy?” If your parents agree to a knock first policy, and your siblings forget, give them gentle reminders. [5] X Research source
Ask your parents if you can all come up with some family rules about boundaries during your family meeting. Encourage your parents to enforce those rules if there are times your siblings aren’t following them. Go to your parents if talking to your sibling doesn’t work or if their behavior is destructive or repetitive. Be mature and act like an adult instead of whining. They’ll be more likely to listen to you. Ask them to talk to your sibling if you cannot do it yourself.
If your sibling is young, putting these objects out of reach may be enough to deter them Avoid putting these items in common places or those accessible to younger siblings. Avoid sock drawers, pillow cases, or other common hiding places. Try hiding your diary in the pocket of your robe, or putting your action figures behind your bookshelf.
List which situations would make it okay for your sibling to enter your room without asking first. For instance, if your sibling is following the family pet. An example of a rule is, “If I’m with friends, don’t come in. ”
For example, you can hide your diary key under your mattress. Don’t hide the key anywhere it could be accidentally washed with the laundry, like in a pillow case or pants pocket.
For example, a filing cabinet with drawers that lock can be bought online or at an office supply store.
Hollow out an old book to hide a diary or candy. Your little brother is unlikely to take interest in one of your school textbooks. Remove some of the dirt under a fake plant. Hide your good action figures there and stack the plant on top. You can also make a small incision in a tennis ball. When you squeeze the ball, the opening will be big enough to fit something through, but it will look normal sitting on your shelf
Before you try this method, ask your parents for permission. Make sure that both your parents and you have a spare key so you don’t end up locking yourself out. This is the most effective way to keep your siblings away from your things Put your key somewhere that you’ll remember, but your sibling doesn’t have access to. Keep it in a secret pocket in your backpack, or hang it around your neck.
