Siblings. If you have brothers or sisters, you've most likely come across scenarios such as fighting, hugging, screaming, laughing, sharing, "borrowing" and playing. The joy of getting a younger sibling is the same whether you were the first child or the fourth child. The rivalry is real, but so is the compassion you have for them. But I bet most of you can recall life as the only child or baby of the family. However old you may be, when the new child comes into the family, life changes. A lot.

Before. Usually before you get a little sister/brother, you are still in your childhood. The impact is larger and your family has a new person to look after, plus a new person to influence the family. Speaking from an only child for six years, life was sweet. Your parents catered to your every need and always asked what you wanted to do. Albeit, having an older sibling, it would have been a bit different, but you were probably able to get away with a bit more.

As an only child, when times got lonely, your parents were more reluctant to drive you over to your bestfriend’s house. As well, you most likely used your imagination to entertain you; after all, it’s just you in the family. With an older sibling, you were the pest, getting your way since you were “the younger one”. Gaining a younger sibling, while being a younger sibling opens your eyes to how different it is to be on top.

After. Life has changed and although you are excited to get to know the new member of your family, you don't know that a leech has just attached itself to you. But you'll love this little leech and nurture it to be your mini-me. On the plus side, you got another playmate. The downside, you now have to share your toys. Growing up with a younger sibling becomes exciting over time. At first, you’re infatuated with this small human being that seems helpless. As this little one gets older, you start to see that he/she mimics you, even when you make mistakes. You probably remember your parents saying something along the lines of “You are older than them. They are going to do what you do, so please be careful. Oh, and watch them”. You were their second parent, their go-to playmate, the person they can blame to get you in trouble.

Coming into adolescence, your younger sibling begins to come to you for help. Advice, questions, and just the need to talk is common because you have been there with them since day one. Your siblings can trust you over your parents, and go to you before anyone else.

The “after” part in gaining a sibling ultimately trumps the “before” because of the relationship you gain and connection you get to have with a person that you can’t share with anyone else. Your sister/brother is someone you can depend on, or at least they can depend on you. The fights may be more intense, but so is the love.