Seven Ways Our Siblings May Have Shape Us

If someone were to ever tell my younger self that I would one day be one of five siblings, I would have never believed them. Unquestionably, my siblings are an enormous part of who I am; aspiring me to become an intelligent and an affectionate human being. Life doesn't always hurl obstacles in your way, but when it does, it can turn out to be completely disparate and even fascinating from the original thought. At the ripe old age of eleven years old, I was expected to step up to the plate and take care of my new adopted siblings, David and Alysa. Countless responsibilities, circumstances, and a world of authority and gratitude have shaped me along the way due to that one event. Indeed, I am grateful that my parents went through with the adoption because even though I had an impact on my adopted siblings, they have propelled me to become an exceptional brother, son, friend, and student.

During the 1950s and 1960s, which is the time period of the novel, the average number of offsprings each couple had was larger than it is today. The 21st century siblings have less competition for parental affection, which creates a better bond between the siblings, and a more appealing look in front of peers and adults, instead of having an irritable disposition. The smaller probability of multiple siblings leads to adolescents that are capable of handling relationships with peers, since they weren’t treated with any injustice, that they’d think to embody on

What is the joy of having a sibling? Is it that you always have someone to beat up on? Or is it you have someone to express all your feelings to, knowing they aren’t listening or understanding it? Siblings can sometimes be there for you, for anything that you may need. Siblings are supposed to get along, but there are a big handful that don’t. Many siblings fight over redundant things such as who gets the higher quality clothing items. This rivalry shows up in the short story, “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst--and it does not have a very satisfying ending.The story is full of symbolism and it teaches us to cherish every little moment with our siblings and be grateful that we have them in our lives.

Siblings that always lived together, originally lived together and then were separated, and never lived together all impact the way the children develop into adults and affects their relationships with their siblings as children and as adults. It also affects their emotional health of how they adjust to foster care and to adult life. Although most people would characterize a sibling as someone who shares the same parents, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway (2013) children view siblings as full siblings, step-siblings, children who live in the same foster home, and adopted children in the same household.

Socialization happens to be important throughout child development. Children need peers they can express themselves with physically and emotionally. Siblings are the greatest companion to have since they share a lot of similarities amongst each other. The relationship between African American siblings and their single parent can be reflective as a team effort.

However in some cases, several individuals consider their siblings as opponents or rival in getting the things that they want. Some think that their sibling hinders them from achieving their goals and prevent them from being fortunate. That is where sibling rivalry takes place. (Stein 2002)

In kathleen O'neill’s article , one of the concept the author emphasize on was that younger siblings in the family looking up to their

It also discusses the impact sibling separation has on the relationships and the siblings. The major effect it has is the loss of that close relationship, a relationship people usually carry with them throughout life.

There’s evidence that the presence of a sibling can help a child’s adaptation in many stressful situations and that sibling relationships remain important sources of support through childhood and adulthood. (Rebecca, Children and Youth Services Review) Sonya Leathers, an associate professor from the University of Illinois is an expert in child welfare/behavior. In one of her studies she stated “Brothers and sisters provide emotional support, comfort, and a sense of stability, belonging, and continuity. They may serve as allies, confidants, companions, and sources of love.”

To those without siblings, have you ever wished for another sibling? For those who don’t have siblings, have you ever considered that person to be like a brother or a sister to you? Any person that has had a sibling-like relationship can testify that a sibling is a pain you suffer through everyday of your life. Take Bianca from Taming of the Shrew. Her sister, Katherina, ties her up out of jealousy because she doesn’t have any suitors while Bianca is trying to decide amongst the three she has. While not all sibling relationships go to extremes like this, there are some that exist to this degree. In these scenarios, no matter the hardship, no matter the pain, whether or not you have a sibling, it will take time to learn to love the other person like a sibling. It may just be a matter of trying to understand the conflict or how the other person expresses themselves, but it’s always good to come to an understanding with each other.

“Sibling relationships in particular are among the longest lasting and most influential relationships in an individual’s lifetime” (Shalash 288). Relationships with siblings definitely affects emotions. Emotions vary when it comes to siblings; they can range from anger and jealousy to joy and gratefulness. Siblings can go from calm and loving while spending time together to fighting physically or verbally within moments. With multiple siblings, favorites are often chosen by parents or siblings so the other siblings may feel like an outcast. When two families are combined different routines can cause great conflict. If a child faces conflicts continuously with their family it can make complications for their love life.

If you have siblings you will have to share everything, so you get less; but you also get less of the bad things. Siblings can support and comfort each in times of trouble. The elder siblings learn to care for the younger ones and the younger ones learn to respect their elder siblings and have someone to look up to besides their parents. You are more balanced person than an only child.

I come from a four-person family. My mom and dad have always been in my life therefore they are the people who raised me. After seeing my parents have a successful marriage, it has influenced me to want the same thing in life and having my first marriage be my last. I have an older sister who is 23. While growing up, me and my sister had a very close relationship. As we grew up, we started to drift apart. I learned a lot from being the youngest child. While being 3 years younger than my sister Taylor, watching her grow up and deal with situations taught me many personal life lessons. Watching her grow up taught me the good and bad things in life and helped me follow the right path. While going through school, I already knew what to expect when it came to the class description and the teacher just by having my sister go through it just a couple years before me. Even though being the younger sister, my whole life is all I know, I couldn’t imagine

I belong to a family of seven, me being the second oldest. It can be extremely challenging to be an older and younger sibling, especially with so many things to do. My siblings and I have been through alot together. Even though we fight, they are my closest friends. One incident that brought us really close took place about four years ago in June.

I thought myself to respect all people even if i didn't like them but still had aspect them and saw everyone as equal to each other and not have one dominant the other. What i am saying  I know how it feels to have more limitation based on who you are. I know where they’re coming from. But overall having siblings had made more laughter, more learning opportunities and learning from their mistakes, and most all forever lasting friendship. I am very thankful to have family and friends to encourage me in my goals on what I want do and who I want to become.