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by Jamie Thompson
Updated: Dec. 30, 2020
Originally Published: Dec. 30, 2020
When I was just nine, my father left, and my mother had to juggle multiple jobs to support us. I vividly remember her leaving for work before I woke up and returning home after I’d gone to bed. With Dad gone and Mom busy working, the responsibility of caring for me, the youngest, fell to my older sister, Sarah, who is seven years my senior. While she was still in high school and later college, she became like a second mother to me. She cooked meals, reminded me to brush my teeth, and tried her best—most times unsuccessfully—to help me with my homework. Looking back on that tough period, I genuinely appreciate having had a big sister.
A recent study by economists Emily Carter and Daniel Hayes from Williams College found that having an older sister significantly benefits younger siblings. According to Carter, “By ages six to eight, older sisters dedicate nearly half of their free time to caring for younger children.” This extra time translates into substantial educational benefits for younger siblings.
Conducted in Kenya and published by The Center for Global Development, the study examined around 700 toddlers, assessing their early vocabulary and fine motor skills. The results showed that, on average, children with older sisters performed better in these areas. However, the same could not be said for those with older brothers.
Significance of the Findings
So, how significant are these improvements? Carter mentioned that having an older sister is akin to the educational advantages seen when comparing children whose mothers completed secondary education to those whose mothers only finished primary school. This is a notable finding, considering the well-known correlation between a mother’s education level and her children’s success. A 2015 study in The Journal of Marriage and Family highlighted that educated mothers not only enhance their children’s academic achievement but also model positive educational and social behaviors. Thus, the comparison between an older sister’s impact and that of an educated mother is substantial.
As I delved into this study, I couldn’t help but ponder the cost to the older sisters themselves. The crux of the findings suggests that the developmental boost observed in younger siblings is largely due to the time commitment from older sisters. This includes nearly 50% of their free time spent in activities like reading, learning, or playing. While younger siblings benefit from having two caring figures in their lives, it often comes at a personal sacrifice for the older sisters.
The Impact of Sick Days
This burden becomes even clearer when examining the impact of sick days. Harvard economist Mia Johnson conducted a study on how sick younger siblings affect older siblings’ school attendance. She discovered that when a younger sibling is unwell, older sisters are significantly more likely to miss school to care for them, a trend not observed as frequently with older brothers. Personally, I remember my sister skipping school to look after me when I was ill, as our mother had to work.
My sister eventually graduated high school but never completed her college degree, which makes me wonder if my needs contributed to that. Now in her mid-40s with adult children, she is finally pursuing a degree, while I, being seven years younger, completed my master’s nearly a decade ago. In short, she devoted her time to nurture and educate me while sacrificing her own aspirations.
The Takeaway
The takeaway is clear: having an older sister is incredibly advantageous for younger siblings, providing educational support and nurturing attention. However, this often comes at a cost to the older sister’s own development. So, if you have an older sister, take a moment to express your gratitude. And if you’re a parent, pay attention to what your oldest daughter is doing and ensure she isn’t shouldering too much responsibility for her siblings at the expense of her own growth.
For more insights on family dynamics, check out our blog post on dinner ideas here. Additionally, for those considering starting a family, Make a Mom offers valuable resources on home insemination kits. For further information regarding pregnancy and related inquiries, the CDC provides excellent guidance.
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Summary:
This article explores the significant responsibilities placed on older sisters and how their involvement positively affects younger siblings’ educational and developmental outcomes. While younger siblings reap the benefits of their older sisters’ time and attention, the older siblings often sacrifice their own personal growth and opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of older sisters while also encouraging parents to ensure they aren’t overburdened.
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