While parents are the providers and the protectors of their children, we cannot ignore the fact that they are not the only influence in the families. If babies are born where there are already one or more older siblings then it is very likely that they also play pivotal roles in the shaping of the younger sibling's personalities, self-worth, confidence and well-being.
The older siblings are always present teaching and modelling play, creativity, adventure and mischief. This is because the younger brothers and sisters naturally gravitate to them. From babyhood on, they are closely watching, connecting and learning.
At least this is what I see in my family. The 1 year old is always one step behind his 3 year old brother keeping up as best he can given the fact that he is two years younger. It does not matter the type of play or task nothing is too hard for this little boy to give it a go.
I see him trying to put puzzles together, playing rough and tumble, sitting on stools at the kitchen bench, eating the same kinds of food and climbing up the sand dunes. This little brother is one determined little boy and as a result is showing increased skill levels than his older brother did at this age.

Like would you believe a couple of weeks ago he sat on the potty and actually did a wee. Yes, he did, at the tender age of 14 months. I was gob smacked, Research strongly indicates that environment influences the development of little children. It is amazing to actually witness this taking place in front of my eyes as a grandmother who has time to watch and enjoy.
Of course there are little runs in when 3 year old clocks his younger brother now and then. It is natural that he gets frustrated with a persistent annoying little brother who won't leave him alone.
Older siblings are constantly learning to cope with annoying and persistent younger siblings who are one step behind.

Cheers and blessings

