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Start Talking!
Know! The Big
Sibling Effect!
10/30/2017
There is a unique and special connection between siblings that cannot
be denied nor duplicated. They are both tormentors and protectors; a
source of teasing one moment, the greatest ally the next. Siblings are
also likely to be one and other’s longest-lasting relationship. Four
out of five Americans get to experience the growing years with a
brother or sister, and in most families the older siblings serve as
role models for the younger ones. The influence of older siblings is so
powerful, in fact, that it is said to rival that of peers and many
times outweigh parental influence - for the better or worse.
Let’s start with the “worse.” When it comes to risky behaviors,
research shows that younger siblings are likely to emulate the
behaviors and actions of their older siblings. A girl whose teen sister
becomes pregnant is four to six times more likely to become a teen mom
herself. A younger sibling whose older brother or sister drinks
underage is twice as likely to drink underage as well. If that older
sibling is a cigarette smoker, the younger sibling is four times as
likely to take up the habit. When older siblings use marijuana and
other drugs, the risk for use among their younger siblings also
increases substantially.
An interesting finding, however, is that the closer in age the siblings
are, the less likely the younger one is to follow in the footsteps of
the older sibling. Some experts say this due, in part, to the younger
sibling wanting to stand out from his or her older sibling, which could
be a positive or a negative, depending on the situation.
As for the “better” news, good behavior role modeling by older siblings
is believed to be just as contagious among younger brothers and
sisters. An adolescent is more likely to have a negative attitude
toward substance use, and make more positive decisions in general, when
his or her older sibling chooses to be drug-free and demonstrates other
healthy lifestyle behaviors.
It’s important to be aware and to share! The first step in drug
prevention is awareness. The second piece is conveying that information
to your children. First and foremost, make sure you’re talking with
your older and younger children on a regular and ongoing basis
(age-appropriate, of course) about the dangers of substances.
When speaking with older siblings: Stress the importance of their
decision-making and how it not only impacts their life, but the life of
their younger siblings who look up to them.
When speaking with younger siblings, talk with them about the fact that
they are not destined to repeat their older siblings’ negative
behavior. Empower younger siblings by reminding them that they are
their own person, fully capable of making healthier, more positive
lifestyle choices and avoiding the same mistakes that their older
sibling may have made.
Remember to follow Start Talking! on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
Learn how to get the conversation started at StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.
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