When I was just nine years old, my father left home, prompting my mother to work multiple jobs to support our family. I vividly remember her leaving at dawn and returning late at night. With dad gone, the responsibility of caring for me, the youngest child, fell heavily on my older sister, Sarah, who was seven years my senior. In high school and later college, she took on the role of a second mother. She prepared meals, ensured I brushed my teeth, and often tried to help me with my homework. Reflecting on those challenging times, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for having a big sister like her.
Recent research by economists Emily Johnson and Mark Smith from Williams College highlights the significant advantages of having an older sister. According to Johnson, “By ages 6 to 8, older sisters dedicate as much as half of their free time attending to younger siblings.” This additional time translates into considerable educational benefits for younger children.
The study, conducted in Kenya and published by The Center For Global Development, involved nearly 700 toddlers. Researchers examined how these children performed in areas such as vocabulary and fine motor skills. The results revealed that toddlers with older sisters had better outcomes compared to those with older brothers.
What were the specific improvements? Johnson explained to NPR that the educational gains from having an older sister are comparable to the advantages seen in children whose mothers completed secondary education versus those whose mothers only finished primary school. This correlation is significant. A 2015 study in The Journal of Marriage and Family found that children with educated mothers tend to excel academically and develop positive educational and social habits. Thus, the impact of an older sister on a toddler’s development mirrors that of an educated mother.
However, I couldn’t help but ponder the implications for the older sisters themselves. The study suggests that the developmental boost for younger siblings comes at a cost to the older sisters. The amount of time they dedicate—nearly half of their free time—often means significant personal sacrifices.
This is particularly evident when considering the effects of a sick sibling. Research by economist Jessica Lee discovered that older sisters are far more likely to skip school to care for a sick younger brother or sister, unlike their male counterparts. Reflecting on my childhood, I remember my sister staying home from school whenever I was unwell because our mother had to work.
Although Sarah graduated from high school, she never completed her college education. I sometimes wonder if this was influenced by the responsibilities she took on for me. Now in her mid-40s, with grown children, she is finally pursuing a degree, while I, seven years her junior, finished my master’s degree nearly a decade ago. In essence, her selfless efforts to educate and care for me came at the expense of her own academic ambitions.
In summary, having an older sister can provide immense advantages for younger siblings, contributing to significant educational and developmental growth. However, the burden of these responsibilities can lead to sacrifices for the older sister. So, if you have an older sister, take a moment to express your gratitude. And if you’re a parent, be mindful of your oldest daughter’s responsibilities to ensure she isn’t sidelining her own aspirations.
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Summary:
This article explores the dual nature of having an older sister—providing significant educational benefits for younger siblings while often imposing substantial responsibilities and sacrifices on the older sister. It emphasizes the need for appreciation and awareness of the challenges faced by older siblings.
Keyphrase: older sisters responsibilities
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