A sibling can play an important role in growth and development of a child. Read on to understand more about sibling relationships.

Studies have shown that sibling relationships have a great impact on child’s psychological and social development. Siblings are important and will always hold a special place in an individual's life.

What role does a Sibling play in a Child’s Life?

Siblings share common memories and experiences since childhood. For example your sister and you might be the only ones who remember your grandmother’s bedtime stories or the family trip to a foreign country. Only the two of you may know about the fun you had when both of you were small. The shared memories are precious and often fondly reminisced about as the siblings grow older.

A sister or a brother is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. Siblings are often the ones who know us in and out and extremely well.

Advantages of having an Older Sibling

An older sibling is more mature and responsible. They are more experienced and are always willing to help the younger sibling. Many children go for advice to their older siblings who gladly help them out. If the older sibling studies in the same school like the younger one it is an advantage. If someone is bullying or troubling the younger one at school, an older sibling is always there to help and protect the younger one and solve the problem.

Sometimes there are certain problems or issues that the younger sibling wants to discuss. They may not be comfortable discussing it with parents, and they want to discuss it with someone who is closer to their age. In such cases, it can be very helpful talking to an older sibling. Many a time, parents are busy and have a hectic life, at such times older siblings like an elder to them.

The first born gets lonely at home because there is nobody to enjoy and play with. But the younger sibling does not have this disadvantage. When the younger sibling is born, they will have somebody to play with at home.

If you are a girl and have an older sister, you can trade or borrow your older sister’s clothes, games, make-up, etc. You can share accessories like earrings, belts, chains, rings, bracelets and many other things.

Advantages of having a Younger Sibling

Older siblings are like a guardian for the younger sibling. Younger siblings often look up to the older sibling. They try to copy and ape the older sibling. Elder siblings feel nice that somebody looks up to them and tries to imitate their behaviour. They feel important and proud and try their best to set a good example. It is also nice to have someone younger whom you can protect and take care of.

Childhood Without any Sibling

Studies have shown that children without siblings lack certain qualities and skills. Children without siblings have poor social skills as compared to children with siblings.

Children with siblings are seen as being better able to form friendships and maintain them.

Children who have grown up without siblings are not able to show sensitivity to the feelings of others as compared to those children with siblings.

Children who have siblings find it easier to get along well with different people and express feelings in a positive way.

Impact of Siblings on Future and Growth of Child

Siblings help to develop problem solving skills. When siblings work out the issues between each other it helps to develop their problem solving skills. Parents should only intervene when there could be aggression or violent behaviour from either sibling.

Those children who have siblings are often more adjusting and cooperative. Children who have siblings understand the importance of giving people their space. They have been taught to share right since childhood hence values such as sharing and understanding the feelings of others develop in them.