Don’t mess with my sister

By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, July 5, 2016

I have two typical teenagers who constantly pick on each other. Yes, my 17 year-old son Dylan and 15 year-old daughter Daylyn are amazing kids, but they enjoy getting under each other’s skin.

During the summer, both kids are attending the strength and conditioning camp at their high school. Each of them competes in separate groups according to their sports.

On one particular day, Daylyn was struggling during the weight room session and was feeling embarrassed. Dylan left all his buddies and came to Daylyn’s rescue to let everyone know that big brother has her back.

Hopefully, as we’ve all discovered as parents and siblings ourselves, when it comes down to it, kids truly love and care about each other, even though at home, you sometimes question it.

My only sibling growing up was my sister Karen Tepera Franklin. We are only 11 months apart, with Karen being the oldest. She actually hates being older now.

Karen and I picked on each other, too, but we were always each other’s biggest fan.

I remember as a young kid playing sandlot football, there was Karen on the sideline yelling for me like it was the Super Bowl. She continued as I competed in all my sports through school.

In high school, Karen wanted to try out for head twirler into her senior year. We would be in the yard for hours a day learning all the cool tricks and moves. Karen was self-taught and had amazing talent.

Believe it or not, I was actually a really good closet twirler. I didn’t want my buddies to know.

I was there the day Karen had tryouts to cheer her on. I remember being nervous for her, and then she won the head position. I was so proud of her.

Even to this day, in our personal and corporate worlds, Karen and I still support all of our endeavors. Yes, we still pick on each other for our faults, but no one else is allowed.

Just know, it’s normal for your kids to pick on each other, too. I sometimes look at it like two bear cubs. Fighting and arguing is part of the bonding process.

I think we can all agree, nothing is stronger than family. Take the time today and let your kids know how awesome and lucky they are to have each other — for life.

If you haven’t spoken to your own sibling in quite some time, then today is the day to give them call — just to say, “I really do miss the good old days. I’m lucky to have you. I love you.”