Who has not wanted on occasion, when we were little, be like our older brothers when we grew up?. At least I have thought about it. In fact, I still want it. And, in part, I am what I am, because of my older brother. And I want to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you have taught me.
And, older brothers have a more important role than is believed in the development of their smaller counterparts. They they are a very important factor in the personality process, as indicated by various studies in which the influence of the presence of older siblings in the life of the little ones is appreciated.
Both the influence of parents and those of siblings are fundamental in the development of children. Currently, it is recognized that an important part of personality development lies in the environment in which we move. And that's where the brothers come in, since with them we spend an important part of our childhood, proving to be one of the determining factors of our future.
Our parents teach us various knowledge (for example, how to use language or how to interact socially), but brothers are also models in other behaviors equally important (Among those found, for example, informal behaviors, serving here as a better example than the parents themselves).
Siblings' collaboration in the development of young children is sometimes not given the importance they have. Thus, our older brothers collaborate in the development of social skills in a context different from that of parents.
Another aspect influenced by older siblings, equal or greater than parents, are habits, whether positive or negative. This is because children are more likely to imitate their older siblings 'behaviors than their parents' own habits. For example, if older siblings have inappropriate feeding behaviors, smoke, drink alcohol, use drugs or have promiscuous or early sexual behavior, the likelihood of younger siblings imitating these behaviors is very high.
Parents, meanwhile, can be mediators that generate cordial relationships between siblings, characterized by respect and tolerance, and thus be adequately influenced. Obviously, it is also the parents who must intervene in the face of bad habits of older siblings and thus prevent minors from practicing them.
Some studies state that only children are less competent in interpersonal relationships and social skills. Generally, the absence of older siblings is supplemented by the relationship with cousins or older friends who somehow fulfill the role assigned to older siblings.
If a child develops in a context in which there are only adults, some of the situations that permeate in the presence of an older brother, such as discussions, competitiveness or sharing within the family environment, would not be generated.
On the other hand, many younger siblings must strive to get away from influence and comparison with older siblings. If the development is adequate, the differentiation occurs in the choice of activities that allow them to stand out in areas other than their older siblings. This becomes healthy and even desirable.
The influence of siblings is vital for learning emotion control. It can be tremendously difficult and even frustrating for young children to be able to properly communicate something they are feeling. This is where older brothers come in, since they fulfill an important sobering function for the emotional development of their younger brother.
This fraternal relationship helps children to communicate and develop better in their interactions with adults and others. That is, older siblings can be regulators of emotions, because they can give the right models.
The orientation and teaching of specific social skills can have a positive effect on the quality of relationships between siblings. This is where parents come in, since it is they who must properly address the relationship between siblings.
In conclusion, older siblings can positively or negatively influence their younger siblings in several aspects:
For all this, we should not underestimate the influence of siblings in the development of children. It is important that parents learn to understand how the interaction occurs, in order to better exploit the impact of the presence of siblings.
