The Influence of Older Siblings

Little Brother Is Watching!


Younger children grow up in homes light years away from that in which their firstborn siblings were raised. They appear in fewer baby pictures, receive less parental attention and experience the added chaos that comes with being part of a larger family. Often, too, they are exposed to the interests and activities of teenagers while they themselves are still in elementary school or even preschool.


"That's a baby show, Stephen," 8-year-old Matt says, as he wrestles the remote away from his little brother and takes control of the TV.


Kathleen Pisano, the boys' mother, sighs. "Stephen's the youngest of four boys. He never got to watch Sesame Street or any of those gentle children's shows. He just watched what his older brothers watched."









10 Good Things About Having an Older Sibling


Straight from the mouths of babes, here’s 10 positive things about having an older brother or sister:




  1. “My brother lets me use his iPod.”



  2. “My sister told me how to get along with my teacher.”



  3. “When my brother drives me to soccer practice, I feel cool.”



  4. “My sister and I bake cookies together!”



  5. “My brother plays catch with me. My dad is always too busy.”



  6. “I went to the same camp as my brother and sister, so I didn’t get homesick.”



  7. “My brother helps me with my math homework.”



  8. “I watch what my big sister does, and then I learn what not to do.”



  9. “My older brother gets yelled at more than me!”



  10. “Even though we sometimes fight, I would never want to be an only child.”


– Carol Band




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