Glossary
Sibling bond
The relationship between brothers and sisters. A close bond can protect children and matters for health in adulthood.
The sibling bond is the relationship between brothers and sisters, often one of the longest relationships a person has. For children, siblings are each other's first peers, and the bond between them is an important foundation of their emotional well-being, according to the AAP (opens in a new tab). Siblings learn from each other how to work through conflict, show support and respect, and appreciate differences.
What research shows:
- in 2010, 82% of U.S. children lived with at least one sibling, more than lived with a father figure (McHale et al., 2012 (opens in a new tab));
- siblings act as companions, confidants, rivals and models, and close sibling relationships can protect children when their parents' marriage is in conflict;
- in a 30-year Harvard study, poorer sibling relationships before age 20 predicted major depression by age 50 (Waldinger et al., 2007 (opens in a new tab));
- a tested program, Siblings Are Special, improved sibling relationships in a randomized trial (Feinberg et al., 2013 (opens in a new tab)).
Bonds can be built at any age: shared meals and projects for children, and showing up and saying what matters for adults. See how to raise siblings who stay close, say it while you can and showing up for your siblings.
What you can do today: send your brother or sister a message about a memory you share.