Parenting
Growing up as the eldest of three siblings, I had two younger brothers who were close in age to me. Despite sharing the same genes, we were distinctly different individuals. Yet, our differences brought us closer together, especially since we moved often for my dad’s job. During those transitions, we formed a tight-knit trio, relying on each other until we made new friends. Even now, my brothers know me better than anyone else.
When my own children arrived, I often pondered how their relationships as siblings would unfold. Watching my son peek into his newborn sister’s bassinet, I secretly wished for them to develop a bond similar to the one I had with my brothers. And, of course, I hoped he would refrain from farting on her as much as my brothers did to me—seriously, thanks a lot, guys.
Now that they are 10 and 13, I can see the close connection I hoped for them beginning to blossom. Their playful bickering in the bathroom and the laughter over inside jokes remind me of my own childhood with my brothers.
- Whoever controls the remote, controls the universe.
While my brothers and I didn’t argue about the remote until 1986, the essence of the struggle remains. When you have one TV and three kids vying for control, it’s survival of the fittest. Watching my kids squabble over the DVR instantly transports me back to the late ’80s, when my brothers and I fought over whether to watch The A-Team or ESPN. - Outnumbered parents are no match for sibling teamwork.
If my brothers and I wanted something fun, we would launch a full-scale operation of whining and pleading. We were a united front, determined to persuade our parents to take us to Dairy Queen in our old Ford Granada. Now, when I surrender and pile my kids into the car for a trip to get frozen yogurt, I realize my mother probably just wanted us to quiet down. - No one made me laugh quite like my brothers, and I struggle to understand my kids’ humor.
My brothers had a unique way of making me laugh that only I could truly appreciate. Our inside jokes and silly voices were utterly nonsensical to anyone else. Today, as I watch my children crack each other up, I can’t help but notice how similar they are to my brothers and me. I just hope they aren’t making fun of me—but they probably are. - My mother endured a messy family room for years, and I look forward to a tidier space in 2021.
As teenagers, we practically lived on our family room couches, leaving a trail of empty Diet Coke cans, candy wrappers, and VHS tapes everywhere. Now, as I pick up after my own kids—removing phone chargers and organic popcorn wrappers for the umpteenth time—I’m thankful my mother didn’t kick us out for being such slobs. - We fought fiercely…
No two individuals could get under my skin as much as my brothers. I remember epic battles over personal items and standoffs over the last bowl of Froot Loops. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve thrown yourself against your bedroom door to protect your cassette tapes. When I see my son lose his cool over his sister crossing a line, I can’t help but root for her when she slams the door, shaking the whole house. - …but we were the best of friends.
No one understands me quite like my brothers do. They tolerated my crazy ’80s hairstyles, kept me grounded with playful teasing, and were there through my awkward braces phase. Even now, they light up when I walk into a room. Watching my kids cozy up on the couch playing Minecraft, I know they share a special bond, even if they’re wreaking havoc in each other’s virtual worlds.
Siblings truly are the best friends you can have—until they embarrass you with a #ThrowbackThursday photo from your awkward teenage years. Then it’s back to telling Mom and storming off to my room!
For more insights on parenting and the journey of raising children, check out this other blog post, and if you’re interested in learning about home insemination, visit Make a Mom. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, the NICHD is an excellent resource.
Summary
The bond between siblings is a complex mix of rivalry and friendship, fostering unique connections. As a parent, witnessing my children navigate their sibling relationship evokes fond memories of my own childhood with my brothers. Their playful banter and shared humor remind me of the joy and challenges that come with having siblings.