My mom and dad practically raised some of their younger siblings. What’s your take on that? In this day and age - do you ask the older kids to babysit/help out with the younger ones?
As an older sibling - I have got to say that parents (and family) expects much more out from you than the your younger siblings but infact think that it’s your obligation to help guide, teach them.
Do you install those feelings in your older kids saying thing like = "since you are the elder one, you should be more caring or giving or nuturing towards the younger ones.
Don’t you think the younger (the babies of the family) just get away with it all?
Re: Your take on older siblings being responsible for younger siblings
I'm the older one and I do remember my parents telling me that I have to set a good example for my little sister. But I think older kids by nature are more nuturing and like to take a lead on taking care of things. My older daughter for example, loves to teach her sister and guide her at games and social interaction. She watches her when we are at gatherings, never lets her out of sight and even takes her to the bathroom. I've only told her to love her sister so much that she loves you back, treat her with respect and she'll respect you back... you know all that smooth talking. And alhamdullilah they get along quite well.
But yes there are those moments where I see myself telling the older one to be more patient and tolerant.
Re: Your take on older siblings being responsible for younger siblings
My brother has been a good brother to me in his way, he wont be like a father but that is fine.
Sometimes they say that elder siblings are like parents, and in cases when the parents are sadly gone that may be the case but i think ti also depends on age difference and crcumstances, if one is elder by a year or so they can't really be the "Elder" type, but they can certainly be friends...
Re: Your take on older siblings being responsible for younger siblings
Babysitting? no. Watching out for - yes definitely. But in our case, its actually the middle son who looks out for both his older and his younger brother. He's quite a man and although I like how he steps up, I sometimes feel that he may be getting overloaded with responsibility too soon. Parenting isnt easy for sure!!!
Re: Your take on older siblings being responsible for younger siblings
^ I am the middle child, and that sounds pretty much like me!
I think with older siblings, it's more instinctive and innate to nurture their younger siblings... i did it, and i most definitely see it with my daughters... no need to prompt the older one to do these things... though like Nik said, i do have to sometimes tell her to be a little bit more patient with the younger one.... :)