From squabbling one second, to hugging the next - when littl’uns share the same DNA, life can be a rollercoaster. Expanding your brood? Check out these fascinating facts about this unique relationship…
1. Older and Wiser
It’s controversial, but several studies have shown the eldest sibling usually has a higher IQ. Theories abound - from the benefit of undivided parental attention as an only child, to the acceleration of maturity that comes with taking the younger ones under their wing.
2. Younger and Wilder
Some believe that the youngest of the family is usually more outgoing and risk-taking because they may be forced to fight for attention against the bigger siblings. Also parental anxieties may have eased by baby 2 or 3.
3. Resilience in Numbers
In support of the idea that the more siblings you have, the more relationship resilience you have; a study by the University of Ohio found that children with more siblings grew up to have stronger marriages and lower divorce rates.
4. Sibling Speak
Siblings have been known to have their own language. This is particularly true of twins who are reported to invent languages of their own. These languages are known as autonomous languages and while they’re totally cute to doting parents, they are only temporary and fizzle as the infants’ speech develops.
