Whether you realise it or not, siblings have a lot to do with child development. And while only children develop perfectly too, it is interesting to learn how kids with brothers and/or sisters develop differently to them.

This is a natural occurrence of the environment that children are raised in and siblings adapt just as only children adapt. Their lives are normal, and they only know what they know. Here are some basics on siblings and their development.

Siblings first learn from each other. Their early relationships are driven by their siblings and how they spend their time with them.

They learn social skills from each other which are instrumental in your child’s future relationships with friends, family and others.

This can be hugely beneficial in their future social development.

A good sibling relationship can build a good bond too and can help individuals to be mindful of others.

However, there is the natural conflict that arises from siblings’ relationships and it isn’t always harmonious. They will get annoyed with one another and sometimes they’ll hate to have to spend so much time together.

Young kids who have siblings learn early on how to manage conflict, playing interruptions and teaching others how to do things they are good at. These skills are vital for young children. Before they even start school, they know how to play, to disagree and how to make up with people afterward.

Siblings teach children not to hold grudges or feel like they are the centre of the world. They know they have others in their little life to consider and this can help their characteristics and personality traits.

Sibling rivalry can be an issue though as kids battle to be “the favourite”, trying to win their parents over with their unique sense of charm. Of course, we know parents treat all their kiddies the same, but it is a normal passage for children to be jealous of one another, even if they love their sibling deeply.

Science has often reported that sibling relationships and the impact on their development are complex. There is no guaranteed relationship between siblings and it is something they continuously work on throughout their life. 

Older siblings can act as role models and be a major factor in how younger siblings behave.

Their relationship drives their characteristic traits and if older siblings are kind and considerate chances are younger siblings will follow suit but not always either.

It is interesting to think how siblings can affect development in children but also how, in some cases, it doesn’t.

Siblings will always play teachers to one another but the overall thoughts are that it doesn’t mean they will behave exactly like their siblings either.