This baby’s reaction when her siblings walk in from school will leave you smiling for days

Few moments in family life are as heartwarming as a baby greeting her older siblings after school. Digital creator and mom of four, Katie Saalfeld, shared a viral video capturing this adorable scene, and it’s no wonder it has over 5.1 million views. Captioned, “Her reaction to her big siblings coming home is everything 🥹😆,” the video shows the youngest child’s pure excitement and affection.

Related: The ups and downs of helping a toddler prepare for the arrival of a new sibling

The online community couldn’t get enough:

• @alyssalynnberger wrote, “BEST REACTION EVER!”
• @salmo_boys added, “That shriek!!! Oh my goodness someone LOVES her bigs! The sweetest ever!”
• @sh8knknotsterd said, “Oh she is such a butterball and I love it! 😭😩😍.”
• @tasheepech remarked, “OMG look she’s full of emotions first you can see excitement then she gets a bit emotional too in excitement 🥹.”

The importance of sibling connections

Even at a very young age, children can feel and respond to the presence of their siblings. Research shows that positive sibling relationships contribute to emotional development, social skills, and a sense of security. According to the American Psychological Association, siblings provide emotional support and can help children navigate stress and develop empathy.

The Child Mind Institute notes that shared activities and attention from parents encourage strong bonds and can prevent rivalry, especially during transitions like the start of a new school year.

How parents can foster sibling bonds

Here are expert-backed strategies to strengthen sibling connections:

1. Create greeting rituals – Even simple gestures, like a hug or special handshake when children come home, can reinforce attachment and make reunions something to look forward to.
2. Encourage shared activities – According to author Alli Worthington, Reading, drawing, or collaborative play fosters cooperation and emotional closeness. 
3. Promote open communication – As per The Parent Cue, Teaching children to express feelings respectfully helps reduce misunderstandings and strengthens empathy. 
4. Model positive interactions – Children learn by example; showing respectful conflict resolution and affection in your own relationships encourages similar behavior among siblings. 

Related: Mom walks away for a moment—what her son does for his autistic sister is pure love

Celebrating everyday moments

Even brief interactions, like Emmy’s enthusiastic greeting, can leave lasting impressions. Parents are encouraged to notice and celebrate these small displays of affection—they not only reinforce sibling bonds but also support emotional well-being.

Emmy’s joyful shrieks and excited hugs are more than just adorable—they remind us that fostering loving connections between siblings from an early age can have lifelong benefits.