The Cutlet attended a "big brother's class" this month, where he gained a little knowledge about filling that role and also a surgeon's hat. It made me wonder if maybe I would have benefitted from the class when I was about to be a big brother. I was about the same age (he's 3 going on 4; I was 4 going on 5). But then he's going to have a little brother and I have a little sister. I don't know which is better for a big bro, to have either one or have neither one. Then there's the people blessed with younger bros and sisters.
Little bro: The potential to bond and be lifelong friends, maybe even best friends.
Little sis: Learn a lot more about the opposite sex than you ever wanted to know. Such as the fact that girls are gross.
Both: See if fart jokes are funnier to boys or girls.
Only: Have your parents to yourselves.
Little bro: Get a small taste of what it's like to be somebody's hero (much like the Cutlet makes me feel sometimes).
Little sis: Get a big taste of what it's like to be someone's hero/antagonist.
Both: Antagonize two different people at the same time.
Only: Wonder what all the fuss is about.
Little bro: Probably a few more conflicts over the toys.
Little sis: Not as many toy conflicts, but learn that Strawberry Shortcake doesn't like it when Darth Vader destroys the forest.
Both: See how well S'berry S'cake likes it when G.I. Joe comes along, too.
Only: Learn about sharing some other time.
Little bro: Have someone to look after and help raise.
Little sis: Have someone to look after and help raise.
Both: Learn much about how boys and girls like to be protected and looked after.
Only: Run to mommy.
What do you think? How did your siblings or lack of them shape who you are today? Did it make you want kids more or less? How many kids? Questions, questions!
The Cutlet won't have a chance to have two little siblings. We're taking double-countermeasures to ensure that we're but twice blessed.
Very cute post. I am very happy that I was blessed with a little sister. She is indeed my best friend. But I'm sure it would have been terrific with a brother as well!
Awww...I'm going to go call my big sis right now!
Wow, it took us a long time to get there...but she is totally my best friend. She took such good care of me. I would have been a very lonely kiddo without her. With my crazy family, I really needed someone to talk to...someone to "get" me. We have been dealing with many crazy family things lately. Family dynamics change over the years. My big sis keeps me out of a straight jacket.
The hubs and I have said we want one healthy baby, only. We shall see.
I would be so lonely without my 3 sisters. We had ups and downs growing up, but we seem to grow closer and closer. I did always wish I'd had and older brother, though.
And my poor T is an only child, much to her disappointment!
What a cute picture!
Calling Dr. Cutlet, Dr. Cutlet...
Wish the big brother/sister program was around when I was a little kid. As an oldest child, I sort of recall feeling traumatized each time. Like... when's that crying baby going to go home? In case you didn't notice, it's keeping me awake at night! ;)
I'm the middle, so I have the perspective of having an older sister (who tormented me my whole childhood, but the minute she left for college we were best friends) and a much younger brother (who was basically raised by three moms). I wouldn't trade them for the world. I have an only child and I hate it. I wish he had four siblings to play with, care for and learn from
I have two younger brothers and a younger sister (I'm the oldest of 4). My little brother was my first younger sibling and I HATED him from the very day he came home from the hospital. I felt so overthrown....to this day, the best day of my childhood was the day, when little bro was about 2 months old when my parents announced they were leaving the little punk with a sitter and taking me to the zoo. Bliss! I was 4 when he was born and we fought like cats and dogs until, like, last year. ;)
That being said, I loved being part of a big family. We're all really close now.
I could have done with a class like that. I was seven when my (Icelandic) sister was born (already had an English one, but didn't grow up with her) and from that moment on, I tortured her in every way possible, or until the day I found that she was quite a useful babysitter...