The Influence Of Siblings

Siblings can quite often be the longest relationship someone will have in their lifetime. Though many people hold the principle that having one child is the way to succeed in today's society and economy, the benefits to having multiple children is vast and expansive. The benefits outweigh the negatives to having siblings. Just as author Jeffrey Kluger states in his article The New Science of Siblings, from the time that we are born our siblings are our collaborators and co-conspirators, our role models and cautionary tales (395). The beneficial love, support, and influence on each other are some of the many bonds that are created. Siblings can be teachers when needed, nurses when there is curing to be done, and most importantly the voice that …show more content…
In the article The New Science of Siblings, author Jeffrey Kluger explains the inherent influences that siblings have on each with “brothers and sisters steer one another into or away from risky behaviors...” (396). The realization of your siblings impact on you is not necessarily felt when growing up. Siblings can either be your voice or reason, or the inexplicable voice of mischief. In most cases, siblings have the interest of each other at heart and aspire to help improve each other. Younger siblings tend to look up to older siblings; as a parent figure. This leads back to the dilemma of either older siblings teaching morally and ethically correct resolutions, or a clearly erroneous and lack of judgmental aptitude for justification. Whether they would like to believe it or not, older siblings are role models to their younger brethren and should behave as such. In various cultures, such as certain African societies, the oldest sibling's decisions are held to a greater role rather than the parents to which a certain loyalty exists between siblings with a dedication to resolve differences (Leder 385). Older siblings have an obligation to inspire their younger siblings in the right direction. Siblings take on parental figure roles to improve and grow their siblings into an exceptional member of society. Younger siblings tend …show more content…
Growing up with siblings, especially siblings of the opposite sex, increases the likelihood of understanding more about people. Kluger states, rather elegantly, that “Sisters teach brothers about the mysteries of girls, brothers teach sisters about the puzzles of boys” (395). Siblings allow for conversations on topics that would otherwise be quite uncomfortable. Being able to talk about different actions and reactions that people portray with your siblings can help you understand exactly the rudimentary functions of society and especially the opposite sex, allowing one to have more confidence while interacting with others. In The New Science of Siblings, Kluger describes a study conducted by William Ickes on students. Ickes paired students by the opposite sex and deduced that the boys and girls with older siblings of the opposite sex had less problems keeping a conversation going (400). This shows the growth that siblings can spread through each other in a social aspect. Interacting with people, making friends, and resolving conflicts are all key social aspects that can be inadvertently shared through siblings. These key skills help oneself to interact with others. My own brothers have helped me with their opinions on talking to certain people. When I was in fourth grade I asked my brothers why it seemed the boys would tease other girls and myself. My brothers helped explain