We may fight on the most trivial issues but will stand for each other whenever the need arises – that’s the beauty of having a sibling. The love, affection and support that one gets from a sibling can be more empowering than what they receive from their parents in some cases. Siblings are pillars of strength through childhood and adulthood. The connection that we are born with is special and can help us wade through the deepest of waters. Siblings understand each other, share common values and mindsets, and have each other’s back, in joy and sorrow alike.
Interestingly, as a part of a family unit, siblings often compete for parental attention and time. As a result they develop this unique ability to learn to adjust to resources. They say that family is our first learning ground. It is here that our behaviour is built. We learn to respond to situations and accommodate our siblings, rising above our immediate needs. While parents give us unconditional love and affection throughout our lives, siblings stand for each other, make each other emotionally strong and confident in the process.
Professor of human development and family studies at Utah State University Shawn Whiteman, PhD, says, “Brothers and sisters affect each other directly and indirectly. Siblings support and learn from one another. The sibling relationship has the ability to uniquely shape a child’s behaviour, adjustment, and wellbeing, for better and worse.” August 6th that is celebrated as Sister’s day is devoted to the extremely special siblings that sisters are. The relationship one shares with their sister is hard to emulate in other relationship.
Whether close in age or years apart, a sister tends to be caring, almost motherly in her love. As the growing up happens together, the experiences shared are same, thus leading to similar outlooks. A sister knows her sibling’s strengths and weaknesses and is like a friend, philosopher and guide, all rolled into one. “Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other,” says journalist and author Carol Saline.
We delve into the crucial role siblings play in shaping our lives and how sisters make life wonderful and secure for most of us.
During early childhood, when the mind is at its most impressionable, family plays an instrumental role in development. While parents sow the seeds of values and learning, siblings facilitate and add to the process. Siblings play an important role in each other’s emotional development by providing companionship like friends. In the younger years, playing with siblings teach many skills like being a team player.
You tend to talk to them uninhibitedly while you may find it tough doing so with parents. Siblings teach you social skills like sharing and giving, conflict resolution and adapting to different personalities.
The relationship that you share with your sister is a special bond and is difficult to emulate through any other relationship.
Family is our first learning ground. It is here that our behaviour is shaped. We learn to respond to situations and accommodate our siblings, thus rising above our immediate needs.
As much as our parents, it is our siblings who impact the course of our lives and subconsciously become our chosen role models.
Children always try to imitate their elders in a quest to grow up and learn. They specially pick up the traits, habits and behaviour patterns of their older siblings.
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