1. How to Share.

Sharing is caring. You’ve probably heard your mom say these three words multiple times throughout your childhood if you’ve had a sibling. Whether it be clothes, toys from when you were toddlers, food, the bathroom, your parents attention when younger, and more, you get to be pretty used to sharing when having a sibling.

2. How to be a role model.

As an older sibling, it is your responsibility to act as a role model for your younger one(s). Whether it be by teaching them a game, or how to play a sport, or by showing them how to act, they look up to their older siblings for guidance and advice. They’ll play the copycat game, mimicking your every move which may be annoying, but in the long run is just a way of showing that they admire their big brother or big sister.

3. How to argue.

From the perspective of an older sibling, it may seem like the blame is put on us more than our younger siblings as a result of their age or innocence. Yet, regardless of where the blame is placed, having a sibling teaches you how to form a strong, and valuable argument. Forget English class, siblings learn how to argue with each other well before then.

4. How to trust someone.

Siblings are some of the first people you learn how to trust (other than parents). From a young age you form a bond where you trust each other to be there for one another. You trust each other when you need to keep things from your parents (sorry mom and dad) or when your younger sibling asks for advice.

5. How to handle insults/jokes.

I think that this one goes for all siblings; the “playful” banter of comments, or name calling going back and forth until your mom or dad yell at you to stop it. Although of course all in good fun, certain nicknames or inside jokes can stick around for a while.

6. How to be a friend.

For many, a sibling is a best friend, a partner in crime. You can argue with them but you know they’ll always have your back.