Those who have brothers or sisters know how annoying sibling rivalries can be, but these experiences make great stories during family gatherings.
Whether it is birthday cake hogging, cards stealing or fighting over a remote control, these fights actually make you a better individual later in life.
A study conducted by the University of Cambridge found that a healthy dose of sibling rivalry could be beneficial for emotional and mental development, as well as social skills!
The 5-year research named ‘Toddlers Up’ observed the social and cognitive development of children between the ages of 2 and 6.
140 children were observed and it was noted how siblings can have a great impact on one’s early development.
Even though sustained sibling rivalry could lead to behavioral issues and relationship-building in life, milder forms could be beneficial for becoming a better person.
The results of the study were written up in a book by Dr. Clair Hughes, Deputy Director at the University of Cambridge.
She told The Guardian:
“The more combative siblings are, and the more they argue and the older child puts the younger one down, the more they are learning complex lessons about communication and the subtleties of language.
The more the children upset each other, the more they learn about regulating their emotions and how they can affect the emotions of others.
The more they point-score, the more it can motivate them to achieve.”
Dr. Hughes also explained that a line has to be drawn somewhere.
“Of course, if sibling rivalry gets out of hand, it can be very negative. Persistent violence is a strong predictor that the aggressive child will bully their peers.
I don’t want to be the woman who says it’s good if your children hate each other, but parents might take some sort of comfort, when their children are fighting, in the discovery that they are learning valuable social skills and intelligence which they will take outside the home, and apply to other children.”
These findings don’t mean that you should start a fight with your siblings. It only means that we should feel more positive about those silly childhood fights!
What’s your take on this? Don’t forget to SHARE this with your brothers or sisters!