Sibling Hood

CHS sibling trio: The Slette boys. Vince Slette, author and older brother, poses with his younger siblings Shane and Cole Slette.

Siblings: a curse and a blessing. According to Dr. Shawn Sidhu from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences, research tends to focus “on parent relationships, which [are] incredibly important, [but] are only a part of the family system. Yet 82 percent of children live with a sibling, and relationships with our siblings may be the longest of our lives.” Sidhu explained that siblings are more likely to confide in one another, due to their closeness in age. This can be a huge source of support. Older siblings can also, either positively or negatively, serve as models for behavior. Siblings tend to either be compared (by their parents) or compare themselves to one another. “This has the dual effect of shattering the self-esteem of the sibling who feels judged, while driving a wedge between the siblings and pushing them apart,” said Sidhu.

At Cascade High School there are numerous sets of sibling duos, trios or more that wander the same halls. There are many responsibilities that come with being a sibling like setting a good example. It is known that younger siblings tend to follow in their older siblings' footsteps; this could mean doing the same extracurricular activities or taking the same classes. Older siblings also break trail: the older siblings are the ones who set the tone for their younger relatives, whether it be by loosening up the parents by getting in trouble more or by getting good grades and setting a high standard for younger siblings.

Growing up with a sibling can teach someone a lot about the world, from my experience as an older sibling, I know that older siblings learn to be patient and deal with the constant nagging of a younger sibling just trying to be as cool as their older brother or sister. Younger siblings often develop a strong work ethic cultivated by trying to be better than their older sibling no matter the cost.

The Jerome brothers are one example of a Cascade sibling set. “Jerome and I are very competitive: we play the same sports and I have never been better than him in my entire life. This makes me not like him a little bit. It's kind of like when you are snaping a girl and she sends a picture of a wall,” said Ben Jerome (the younger of the two). Ben's sibling rivalry is with his older brother Jerome who also went to Cascade High School, Jerome was the valedictorian of his class, a varsity soccer captain, and a varsity cross-country runner. Ben’s goal by the end of his high school career is to beat Jerome's cross-country PR. Despite the constant competition “I love Jerome, because he always pushes me to do the best that I can, no matter the rivalry he is always there for me,” explained Ben. Siblings come with many ups and downs, but those who manage to create a healthy relationship are guaranteed a friend for life.

Concerned older siblings are always trying to set a good example for their younger siblings and wanting the best for them no matter the situation. Older siblings are known to act as another parent for the younger siblings, except this version of the parent is closer in age which makes them more trustworthy and relatable in the eyes of a younger sibling. “I try to set a good example by getting to know the teachers so that when my sisters have them the teachers can push them harder,” said Juan Fonseca, a senior and an older sibling to CHS students Mariamne, Maralys and Mariana. Older siblings contribute to the crafting of a younger sibling's personality, they teach and lead the younger siblings, and, in the case of the Fonseca family, they send a clear message: no matter what they will always be there for each other.

Having a strong sibling relationship can be one of the most rewarding things that a person can have. “He is a good role model, he is kind, he shares, and he sets a good example. He tells me when I'm doing something I shouldn’t and has saved me from a bunch of bad situations where instead of my parents ripping on me, he does,” said Freshman Ethan Fallon whose older brother, Brendan, is a senior at Cascade High School. Ethan said that he is grateful to have an older brother like Brendan, a smart and knowledgeable leader. Although Ethan is appreciative of the many things that Brendan does for him, he also says that having an older brother comes with challenges: “I feel like I have to live up to a high standard because of my brother and the impact that he has left on Cascade.”

Cascade High School is full of names, names that have left a legacy. Keeping up with siblings and the constant competition of trying to be better than older or younger siblings is not an easy task to accomplish. Throughout life siblings can be some of the most beneficial people to be around, they can serve as a trustworthy person to confide in and can be a source of comfort as they grow up in similar circumstances. “To get the most out of sibling relationships” Sidhu suggests that people should “ask how sibling relationships are going, ways that they are healthy and also ways that they could be improved; celebrate sibling differences and avoid comparing...encourage siblings to work together and support one another...have both siblings earn rewards for cooperating...when one child is suffering...try to ensure that other siblings also receive enough attention.”