When I was nine, my father left, and my mother had to juggle two or three jobs to keep our household afloat. I still remember her leaving early in the morning, just as I was waking up for school, and returning home late at night, when I was already in bed. With my dad gone and my mom working tirelessly, the responsibility of taking care of me, the youngest sibling, fell to my older sister, Sarah, who is seven years my senior. While she was balancing high school and eventually college, she became like a second mother to me. She cooked meals, encouraged me to brush my teeth each morning, and did her best to help me with my homework. Looking back on those challenging times, I can’t help but feel thankful for having an older sister.
A recent study by economists Emily Carter and John Lewis from a Massachusetts college found that having an older sister can significantly benefit younger siblings. “By ages 6 to 8, older sisters dedicate nearly half of their free time to caring for younger children,” Carter explained to NPR. This extra attention translates to notable educational advantages for the younger siblings.
Conducted in Kenya and published by The Center for Global Development, the study involved nearly 700 toddlers. Researchers assessed their skills in areas like vocabulary and fine motor abilities. The findings indicated that, on average, children with older sisters performed better than those with older brothers.
But just how much better are they doing? According to Carter’s discussion with NPR, for toddlers, having an older sister “results in a developmental difference comparable to having a mother who completed secondary education versus one who only finished primary school.” That’s a significant boost. It’s well-established that a mother’s education correlates with her children’s success. A study in The Journal of Marriage and Family from 2015 found that educated mothers not only enhance their children’s academic performance but also model positive educational and social behaviors. Therefore, likening the impact of an older sister to that of an educated mother is substantial.
As I read this study, I began to ponder whether being an older sister is truly advantageous for the sister herself. Unfortunately, challenges arise. The study indicates that the developmental boost for toddlers with older sisters stems primarily from the time investment. These older siblings often spend around 50% of their free time engaged in activities like reading, learning, or playing with their younger siblings. While this means the younger child receives more attention from two maternal figures, it places additional caregiving responsibilities on the shoulders of the older sister, often requiring personal sacrifices.
This became particularly evident in a study by economist Rachel Anderson, who explored how younger siblings’ illnesses affect their older siblings’ school attendance. She discovered that when a younger sibling is unwell, older sisters frequently miss school to provide care, a trend not observed as much with older brothers. Reflecting on my own childhood, I recall my sister staying home from school whenever I was sick to look after me, as my mother needed to work.
While my sister did graduate from high school, she never completed college, and I sometimes wonder if I played a role in that. Now in her mid-40s with grown children, she is finally pursuing a degree, while I, seven years younger, completed my master’s nearly a decade ago. In essence, she devoted her time to my care and education, allowing me to thrive, but only now is she starting to focus on her own growth.
In conclusion, having an older sister is undeniably beneficial for younger siblings, providing them with a significant educational boost, more individualized care, and attention. However, this dynamic often comes at a cost for the older sister. So, if you have an older sister, take a moment to express your gratitude. And if you’re a parent, it’s essential to observe what responsibilities your oldest daughter is shouldering and ensure she isn’t sacrificing her own development in the process.
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Summary:
Having an older sister can significantly enhance a younger sibling’s educational and developmental outcomes, providing them with essential attention and care. However, this often results in personal sacrifices for the older sister, who may take on additional responsibilities that could impact her own educational journey. It’s crucial to acknowledge and appreciate this dynamic, ensuring that older sisters are supported in their own growth as well.