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Start Talking!
Know! The Big Sibling Effect!
10/15/2018

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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