I HAVE ONLY ONE grandson who is already 10 years old. I have repeatedly hinted to our sons that I long for a granddaughter but it seems I am being ignored.
There are plenty of benefits to having more kids, I say. Based on studies done, here are some examples of how siblings can improve their health:
Better interpersonal skills
A study found that children with siblings, particularly those with a closer age gap, show higher levels of social skills than only children. The research suggests that sibling interactions provide a unique context for developing social abilities, including negotiation, empathy and cooperation, which are things that lead to an increase in the quality of relationships and mental health outcomes.
More emotional support
Having siblings can be like having built-in playmates, partners, friends and companions for life. They share a unique bond, having grown up in the same family environment, allowing them to understand and support each other in ways others may not.
All of these may also help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Even if they don’t ‘like’ each other, they can call on each other when needed for emotional support and feelings of belonging and connection. Because they share a family history and culture, siblings can also help individuals understand where they come from and who they are, establishing and confirming a sense of heritage and belonging.
Greater resilience
The challenges and conflicts that often come with sibling relationships can teach individuals how to cope with difficulties, bounce back from setbacks and persist in the face of adversity. These experiences can help build a foundation of resilience that benefits individuals throughout their lives.
Better physical health
Having siblings has been linked to better physical health, which is closely linked to mental health. One study found that having older siblings speeds up the rate at which babies develop their gut microbiome, which may increase immunity and protect against food allergy sensitivities. Siblings often engage in more physical activity together, which could also lead to better health.
So what is the verdict?
It depends on the siblings you get. Beyond considering the number of siblings, an important factor is the quality of the sibling relationships. It has everything to do with personal values, circumstances and priorities. Each family needs to focus on what aligns best with their goals and capacity.
It bears pointing out that larger families often have more diverse personalities, interests and interactions. Siblings learn to share, cooperate and build strong bonds. And having a sibling influences your well-being. Obviously, every family is different, which makes this a very interesting topic for discussion in our household. By Manny Palomar, PhD (EV Mail August 19-25, 2024 issue)
