Having a sibling in one’s life can be one of the most crucial elements of their development, as siblings can be viewed as role models to one another, offer companionship, moral support, and can even reduce stress.
At this time of year, many kids are graduating high school and are getting ready to move out for college, leaving their younger siblings at home. Living without each other for the first time can be a very challenging adjustment for any siblings who have strong relationships.
The older sibling in any relationship has experienced more of life and its challenges than their younger sibling. This wisdom that the older sibling holds can be extremely helpful for the younger sibling, especially with school.
“It was definitely weird being at the same school with [my brother, Blake,] for the first time, but I have enjoyed it. I feel like it made us a lot closer. I enjoyed helping him out as much as I could, with running, school, and little things in life. There were times when I wished I had someone to help me and give me that advice and that I was able to be there and give him that advice,” said senior Dylan M.
This passing of wisdom is greatly appreciated by the younger sibling, as they have a constant source of help and advice throughout the year.
“The best part is having [my older brother] to help me whenever I need it,” said freshman Blake M.
One key factor in a strong sibling relationship is having similar interests with each other. This allows them to bond and become closer with each other.
“We have very similar hobbies. I snowboard and he skis, so during the winter we get a lot of time together. We both run track and we both used to play volleyball. We both enjoy watching football, bike rides, playing football for fun, and playing video games together,” said Dylan.
With Dylan and Blake, it is apparent that their shared hobbies and interests have strengthened their bond as siblings.
“We are very close, and we hang out regularly every weekend. It was very fun growing up with each other because we have similar interests…one being Legos during our earlier years,” said Blake.
Being the younger sibling holds many unique characteristics and obligations as well. At this point in an older sibling’s life, this includes attending many college tours with them.
“I have probably gone on ten [tours] with him so far. I usually just zone out…,” said Blake.
In addition to extra responsibilities, being the younger sibling has its perks.
“One of the best parts of being the youngest child is regularly getting your way,” said Blake.
It is relationships between siblings as strong as this that make it so much more difficult for the separation that college brings to the dynamic. Dylan has committed to Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey.
“It will definitely be harder for him than it is for me. I will be at school and I will have a lot of things to worry about but he won’t have me there to help him. I will be in touch with him and my parents a lot. I have talked to them every day of my life and I can’t imagine that changing,” said Dylan.
Often times when a sibling moves out, one of the changes that the younger sibling experiences is that more responsibilities begin to fall onto them at home.
“Since I’m a middle child, without her I feel like I’ve taken the role of the older sibling,” said sophomore Alessia G, whose sister currently attends Binghamton University.
There is also an adjustment period that comes from an older sibling moving out. The household has one less person, which requires the rest of the household to adjust.
“In the beginning it was so weird, the house was quiet… But I would say I got used to it around September,” said Alessia.
There is an additional transition to having older siblings not be in high school anymore with their younger sibling. However, these changes aren’t always negative.
“I loved it. It made adapting into the high school so much easier, she would drive me to school. She would help me sometimes with my classes, [it was] easier to adapt to the building because I knew that there was at least someone in there who would have my back […]. As much as I loved having her freshman year. I feel much more independent, now I know how to go around the buildings,” said Alessia.
Many younger siblings are soon going to have to start saying goodbye to their senior brothers and sisters and it is not going to be easy. The adjustments will be tough and there will be many lonely days without them, which is what makes such a strong relationship so much more important and something to be cherished.
“Don’t take the time for granted. I know this sounds cheesy but spend every minute with your sibling before they leave for college because […] the relationship might change when they’re away […]. Sometimes I wish I hung out with her more before she fully left because this is going to be a cycle that takes at least 4 years…Cherish every moment you have while you’re all under the same roof now because you don’t know the minute they graduate they’re going across the state or something. So just take your time with them,” said Alessia.
The strength of the sibling bond is one that is almost impossible to break. Even when the older sibling moves away to college, siblings who have a strong family bond will stay close.◼️
