"Don't just have one child. You don't want to do that to them. Have two or three," is what my mom would always tell me when I would say something about only wanting one kid. And now that I'm older, I understand.
I've always had a younger sister. Okay, maybe not always. I was an only child for almost three years, so I don't remember what being an only child was like. I only know what it's like to be the big sister. Sometimes it's great. Other times, not so much. Honestly, the good always lays out the bad.
Having two younger sisters has taught me a few things. I've learned different things from the two of them simply because one is only three years younger and the other is 10 years younger than me, so you can see how things can vary.
1. You always have someone to adventure with.
Some of the greatest memories I have made with my sisters have been on the random adventures we go on. They're not always extravagant, planned-out ventures, but rather ones we decide to go on in the middle of the afternoon. If there is somewhere to go, I always have someone willing to go.
2. You have someone to tell all your secrets to.
Your best friend could work for this one, too. But having a sister you can tell all of your secrets to is both a blessing and a curse. She could eventually use everything you've ever told her as blackmail if she doesn't get her way. Or, she could keep them safe and (hopefully) never bring them up again.
3. You have a reason to be a good influence.
I always want what is best for my sisters. I know that they're watching everything I do and learning from my successes as well as my mistakes. They need someone to show them the ropes. Nothing in the world makes me happier than knowing my 10-year old sister wants to be just like me when she grows up. It lets me know that I have made a positive impact on her life and that I've done something right.
4. You'll always have someone to try new things with.
This goes along perfectly with having someone to adventure with. Scared to do something for the first time? Chances are your sibling(s) hasn't done it yet, either. What's a better way to bond than trying something you might hate or love?
5. You always have a friend.
This lesson could be the most important. When it feels like the entire world has walked out on you, your sister(s) will be there for you. They tend to know you better than you know yourself which, at the end of the day, is a great thing. They're there for you through almost every step of your life giving them a different perspective than your best friend. They won't be afraid to tell you the truth because they don't want to see you hurt or embarrass yourself (they might want to see that, but we can hope for the best).
I know that because I have two wonderful little sisters, I will be learning something from them for the rest of my life. I am forever thankful to be a big sister and wouldn't want to trade it for anything.
