The Wonder of Siblings
The wonder of siblings is an understatement. Do you have more than one child? If so, you may have noticed that they are different people. This is because siblings naturally compete – it’s a way to learn and figure out their place in the world. Believe it or not, this competition can be good for your kids! Studies have shown that children with siblings are more intelligent and better adjusted than those without. Keep reading to discover why sibling rivalry is so beneficial – and how you can encourage it in your own home.
I taught my first son how to ride his bike in two months, and I suffered broken nails, an aching back and a trial of patience. He suffered scrapes and bruises and all the tumultuous days of practice and practice and practice of balancing. My partner taught our second son how to ride in one hour, and with independence and resilience, he was off chasing after his brother, pedalling with all his might. I, for one, was aghast. My first son was also shocked at how he figured out balance and pedalling in a jiffy. Therein lies the personality difference that makes the wonder of siblings.
Having two very different children with different personalities is one of the most complex and intricate navigation for parents with multiple kids face. It is essential to be open and understanding, as each child has unique talents, interests and ways of expressing themselves. One may be a social butterfly on their terms, while another may prefer the company of books to people. Teach your children how to embrace diversity early on by showing them that we all have different ways of doing things and being in the world. For instance, my eldest son is a fan of reading and the arts and loves to immerse himself in books, painting and drawing activities. On the other hand, my youngest prefers outdoor play and likes bike rides, football matches and music. Research has shown that children with siblings could better understand other people’s perspectives and emotions and display higher empathy and communication skills. These children also had better problem-solving abilities and could negotiate tasks more effectively.
However, the wonder of siblings has its downsides called sibling rivalry. Parents must manage sibling rivalry positively and create an environment where siblings can learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This includes teaching them how to handle conflicts and recognize each other’s unique qualities. In the long run, having siblings can provide children with lifelong social and cognitive skills they can use in various areas of their lives. So instead of seeing rivalry as a negative aspect, parents should view it as an opportunity for their children to grow and become well-rounded individuals.
While having only one child can certainly have its benefits, the cognitive advantages of having multiple children should not be overlooked. So don’t be afraid to expand your family and embrace the inevitable sibling rivalry – it might make your kids smarter.
