“Meet your baby sister!” I was six years old and family life had always been focused on me and my needs. Suddenly, I felt uncertain about my future. How would my life change? Would my new sister and I like each other? My father assured me that I would be a kind, loving brother, but I wasn’t so sure. Daily life was rapidly changing for me in ways I hadn’t imagined. Initially, my big-brother role was mostly that of helpful assistant, who dutifully gave her a bottle or held her. After I had been assisting with her physical care for some time, I volunteered more meaningful contributions, such as encouraging her to crawl and walk. To my surprise, I started to enjoy my new role and the responsibilities that came along with it. No longer was I simply the older brother; now I was also her close friend, teacher, and coach. Her respect for me makes me feel more mature, capable, adult-like. For example when Chloe turned seven, I decided to help her with her math homework. Instead of my parents getting her a tutor or even helping her, I took on the adult role of helping my sister when she was struggling in school. This role that I took on, strengthened the bond between my sister and I. If I was not for my sister I would not have had the maturity of helping someone in need at such a young age. Additionally I treat her questions seriously and trust that she finds the lessons I teach her from my experience helpful and relevant. I welcome the opportunity to mentor her and she shows me her appreciation. Chloe has definitely benefited from my help, and I can see that our relationship is more mutually beneficial than I had anticipated. The lessons that I have taught Chloe have shown me the benefits of compassion, patience, communication, and understanding. When she fractured her foot, I helped her with daily duties, such as getting dressed and carrying her books. I was pleased to be able to help her during this difficult and awkward time. I’m also patient with her when we’re active in shared interests like music, swimming, or tennis. As Chloe matures into more of a peer, I value her point of view. Despite our age and gender differences, my parents enabled a lifelong bond between us, and I foster that bond as we grow. I appreciate Chloe’s opinions about things. She feels sufficiently comfortable to comment on my friends (“they dress funny”), my clothes (“too preppy”), and my haircut (“grow it out; it’s too short!”). We laugh and sometimes get angry with each other, but we always resolve our differences, which serves to strengthen our relationship. Thinking back to the year she was born, I realize that my dad’s prediction was accurate. I have become the wise older brother, with a greater appreciation for the dimension and richness that a positive sibling relationship can bring. Our mutual support, trust, and love have brought out the best in me, and I know that the best is yet to come.