What Is It Like to Have A Sibling?

Written by Evelyn Stearns

September 2022

Family is one of the most important parts of a person’s life, whether or not an individual has a sibling. In terms of family, many colorful stories have been shared about siblings, though when a person is not blessed with a sibling, it is hard to imagine what living with a brother or sister close to one’s age might be like. For those without the fun of a sibling, here is what it is like.

First, quite a few different ideas and thoughts have been circulated about sibling stereotypes. These are often reflected by students at Springfield High School. “I do think, to an extent, we fit those stereotypes,” stated SHS 9th grader Gracie Claflin. “My [older] sister has been like a mother to me and I have gotten way more than she had at my age.”

SHS 12th grader Gwen Stearns [younger sister Evie Stearns, 15] and 9th grader Ella Donahue [older brother Aidan Donahue, 18] agreed with Clafin. “It depends on the person [whether they fit the sibling stereotype],” said Stearns. “No person is ever the same.”

“I don’t think any stereotypes are true,” Donahue states unequivocally.

11th grader Caleb Kurpiel (younger sister Chloe, age 8, and younger brother Dekoda, age 10), also rejected the easy formula for siblings.

“I don’t fit those stereotypes at all,” Kurpiel said.

It is easier to understand what it is like to have a sibling when you, in fact, are a sibling. However, not all people are blessed to be in this position. Some people believe that having a sibling means the sibling is always in the way. Or those who are not part of the world of siblings feel it would be totally annoying to have someone in one’s room, taking their stuff, taking up their space.

Other facts and opinions have commonly been shared about middle siblings. Perhaps the most famous of these points is this: siblings are simply forgotten and neglected. Some other stereotypes about middle children involve the notions they are left out, rebellious, attention-seeking, people pleasers, and emotional.

By contrast, younger siblings have been thought to get all the attention. They are said to be coddled, outgoing, self-centered, charming, and playful. There is no real explanation of how these stereotypes came to be, but the true question is this: are they really true? But one conclusion about this topic cannot be disputed–siblings are great to have, whether or not the stereotypes are true. They are like a built-in best friend and the time one spends with them can be some of the most fun and frustrating times in life.

“There are common emotions that people go through,” concluded sibling Donahue, whose brother Aidan currently attends the University of Mississippi, “even in different family dynamics.”