In the latter part of the 1990s, many mental health professionals began paying special attention to sibling relationships. Throughout the history of the world, there have been stories of the special bonds that brothers have. Many health professionals who have studied this particular topic have stated that the relationships we share with our siblings have a great impact on our psychological and social development. Here, you will learn a lot about the importance and benefits of sibling relationships.
It has been established that those who were part of a family in which siblings were involved felt a greater sense of “support”. Many people fear being alone, and having a sibling allows a person to overcome this particular fear. There is a certain unity between siblings that helps them trust each other and depend on each other.
On the other end of the spectrum, due to the fact that there are often sibling challenges, this also allows one person to define who they are individually.
Having a sibling reinforces many values and life skills that are necessary to survive in the “adult” world. This includes sharing, considering the feelings of others, understanding that everyone requires a certain amount of space for themselves, and working as a team. All these values and knowledge acquired as a result of the experience with a brother. This is because siblings are often told to share their possessions and space. Children learn that actions can affect the feelings of others. The siblings also learn that everyone needs their space.
It is important to understand that sibling relationships are among the longest relationships a person will ever experience. The bond that unites siblings based on the amount of time they share a relationship is built quickly and effectively. This bond is extremely strong. The bond we share with our siblings helps determine the quality of the bond we experience with other relationships in our lives. This is a very important fact to understand about sibling relationships and a benefit of sibling relationships.
As parents, with children of our own, it is absolutely necessary that we encourage our children to bond and nurture the relationship they share. We can do this by implementing any or all of the following steps:
* Encourage them to get along and respect the bond they shared as children. This will teach them that it is appropriate for them to share the relationship they have and that you have the utmost respect for it.
* Select activities in which all our children can participate to promote good relationships between all of them. Children often get involved in different types of activities due to the fact that they are different ages and have different friends. It is important that we as parents carefully organize activities in which all children can participate together.
* Do not play “favorites” among your children. Doing so can lead to sibling rivalry. You should always be supportive and objective when it comes to working with your children.