All that fighting was worth it.
Like many Irish people, I come from a fairly big family. In fact there are so many of us Moore’s in the world that I’m convinced our family multiply like Gremlins in the rain.
I’ve got four brothers and sisters and as you can imagine, things weren’t always peaceful and calm in the house.
That’s the understatement of the year because we all used to torture, fight, shout and have the craic with each other in a way that you can only do with your siblings.
i100 have conducted some brilliant research and managed to prove that having a brother or sister will influence your life in the following ways.
1) Siblings strive to be different from each other
If anyone ever says that you’re just like your older brother or sister then you can go and tell them to feck off because you’re different. Science says so.
2) Parents DO treat their kids differently
I always knew it. The baby gets preferential treatment while the eldest probably gets the harshest treatment. My logic is that the first-born usually bears the brunt of the parents worries and anxieties.
There’s evidence which proves that parents actually allocate their emotional, material and financial resources differently between their children.
Basically, all parents have their favourites. You all know who they are in your own family but we’re guessing that it’s you.
3) Older siblings are usually smarter
Nope, not having this one as I’m the second youngest in my family. Actually, it’s probably right.
The reasoning is that research has showed that older siblings have three more IQ points than their little brothers and sisters.
Why are they smarter? It’s because your older brother or sister got your parents’ undivided attention in the early infant learning years. Just blame your folks guys, it’s their fault.
4) First-borns are more law abiding and focused on their studies while the youngest is usually wilder
Now we’re talking! Your older brother or sister is probably a goodie two-shoes because they were disciplined more regularly in their younger days while the baby of the family was given permission to act the maggot.
Makes sense.
5) Older sisters make boys less competitive
This can be a pro and a con. The research shows that a child that’s growing up with an older same-sex sibling increases any chances of direct competition.
Boys will be boys.
6) If your parents compare you to your siblings, the psychological effect stays with you in adult life
Basically if your siblings are a doctor, lawyer, rocket scientist or President of Earth then you have a lot to live up to.
I’m happy lowering the bar in my family though.
7) Younger siblings are better at attracting members of the opposite sex
Do you have a little brother or sister that changes their boyfriend/girlfriend with more regularity than their socks?
It’s not their fault that they’re incredibly attractive and charming, blame science.
8) A good relationship with your brothers and sisters is good for your mind and finances
The research shows that people with strong brotherly and sisterly bonds have greater life satisfaction which is linked to improved economic success.
This still doesn’t stop me from being broke after buying them all presents at Christmas or put an end to them asking me for a spare €10 every few days.
Ah well, you can choose your friends but your stuck with those weird and wonderful people that you call your family.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
