Sibling Importance
This is me in my tight-hair-on-top-of-the-head, big-as-you-can-get-scrunchie days. Shut up, it was the early ’90s.
Dear Sister,
Remember that time we ventured into the deep end of the pool? Or when we cut Barbie’s hair into a bob then stuffed the evidence under the couch? Or when we went to see Event Horizon at the drive-in and almost scratched our eyes out from the ridiculousness of the film? Or how about when we had a contest to see who could stuff the most grapes into their mouth (Exhibit A, above)?
Yeah, well a new study says we’re better for it. The study of nearly 400 families found that having a sister makes kids less sad. Which I think is generally true unless you count the times you get yelled at because you’re the older child and that’s just what happens when you’re older. (Grumble, grumble.)
Anyhow. The researchers found that even when you take parenting into account, having a sister made kids happier, less lonely, and so on—whether your sister is older or younger. And having any type of sibling (see, brothers matter too!) makes kids more likely to do good deeds.
So let’s sum up:
Even when she’s screaming at you (not that I did that) or spitting bubblegum into your hair (not that you did that) or stealing that thing you love more than anything else in the world and would die in a fit of rage if anyone took (not that either of us did that), she’s doing you good. One psychologist interviewed here says fighting preps siblings for real life where—shocker—the world isn’t fair.
In other news, your sister can save you from total mutilation by dresser:
Remember that time when you were three and climbed up the dresser, which promptly threw you to the floor and started plummeting to the earth? And remember how I was on the floor, holding the dresser up with my teensy 5-year-old legs while you ran to get Mom?
But that’s another study for another time.
Sisterly Yours,
Tracey
What’s one way your sibling (brother or sister) has helped you become who you are today?
GIVEAWAY: There’s another awesome beauty product contest going on (till Friday, friends), so head here to enter. The world is much prettier in pink, no?
20 comments
great picture. Is this contest an annual event? I hear having kids that had fun together is good for the parents as well.
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I have a sister and a brother and they’ve taught me a lot…including the fact that it is possible to be friends with them in adulthood. Did I just say that out loud???
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Tracey Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Don’t worry. I won’t tell them. I’ll give them a punch in the arm for you to cover it up, too.
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I have a sister, and we’ve definitely had our good and bad times… but we’re 8 years apart, so I guess when I was old enough to climb on top of the wardrobe she was already going out with her friends without me. :S
Wei-Wei
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Tracey Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 8:11 am
You’re funny. I can imagine the dynamics are totally different when there’s a big gap between siblings. You both probably benefit, but I’m sure the relationship is totally different. On the upside: No one stealing your clothes.
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I have a brother who is two years younger. We’re are much closer now than we use to be. He has such a big heart and is very compassionate. That’s definitely rubbed off on me
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LOL – I thought that was just a pulled pic from the Net. Is that really you?!
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Tracey Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 8:35 am
Oh yeah. Me and my sister during our stuff-as-many-grapes-in-your-mouth-as-you-can contest. It was during a very bad time in fashion where everyone who was anyone in my elementary school wore a tight ponytail at the top of their head. Attractive, I know.
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Nice post that especially resonates with me having just spent a whole week with my sister. I know I’m lucky to have one, especially when I think about how much we were just there for each other growing up in a really awful family situation. I can’t imagine how lonely I would have been without her and to this day I know she understands me better than anyone.
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Event Horizon… ahahaha… I remember when that movie came out and it was supposed to be the scariest thing of all time. Right…
My brother and I keep each other sane. Our parents are a tad bit goofy (as are most, I’m sure), so it’s nice to have each other for comic relief from it all.
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I think I would definitely be a different person without my sister. Not to be all mushy gooey, but she has been my best friend since the day I was born, so it’s kind of awesome to always have her there and know that she has my back no matter what. I don’t think that I was less sad than most kids, but I had a built in support system, so I was very lucky in that way.
I love your letter! And I think you are your sister are cute. We all have the 90s pictures with tacky floral prints and bad hair. Or at least I do.
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Dear Sister,
Remember that time you taught me how to ride my bike in the garage? And remember how surprised mom and dad were to see me ride by the window?
I’m pretty sure we were both climbing the dresser. Not that that changes you saving my life.
I definitely would have been lonely growing up without you. But that would be true for my life now too. And, if grapes weren’t hazardous to my health, I would demand a rematch!
Sisterly Yours,
Jill
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This is the sweetest post! Awww! Poor Barbie. My brother and I had the average sibling fights, but I love that little monster to death. He’s taught me to laugh more and let my creative side come out.
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Lets just say that …siblings…can be absolutely loved and missed….yet hated and despised…
sad stories.
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Interesting. I knew I always wanted to trade in my brother for a sister!
Kidding.
He has helped me laugh. My brother is hilarious and sooo easy going…I love him!
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I love this! I have two daughters and they are so close – it makes my heart sing. (sounds corny – but it’s true.)
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All my sisters have touched me in so many different ways to help me get where I am today. One big thing is love and support. They are always there for me.
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oh this was an awesome post tracy..i love my sister dearly but know we are raising an only child (skylar). I hope she never feels like she missed out on a sibling b/c well, that’s not in the cards for us…and i cant believe i am writing this here but whatever
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so i have an excuse for growing up cranky, neurotic and classy as a hog in heels?
these scientists are smart. i’m dropping my bro a text to let him know
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Great post.
My sister helped me in so many ways, I don’t even know where to start!
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