in case the computer deletes my paper

Hannah Stewart
Honors Symposium
Session D
Dr. Shock

The Joy of Siblings

Imagine yourself, surrounded by your family, playing board games on Christmas Eve. Perched on the couch and reclined in various positions on the floor, your family shouts an assortment of answers. Laughter explodes from everyone as your little brother calls out something funny. Would this happen in the family of an only child? Some say you do not get enough attention in a big family, but obviously they have never been around my family. Considering all the rewards, I know I would much rather be in a family with many siblings than be an only child.
You have instant connections many places you go because of your siblings. Going to a camp all by yourself can be scary, but I can not tell you how many times I have gone to a camp or retreat not knowing anybody, but someone knew my sisters or brothers and I automatically made a new friend. At first registering shock, their faces would transform into a look of delight. “Oh, you’re Tessa’ sister? I love Tessa! She is such a sweetheart! Come sit with us!” Being associated with your brothers and sisters can be a window into your own social life.
Older siblings spend time mentoring you and showing you how to act. My sisters always painted my nails, took me swimming, or even helped me with my schoolwork. Special times with my brother included taking me to see the Rangers play, playing basketball with me, or rolling me up in a blanket and calling me a Hannah burrito. I always felt special because my siblings were spending time with me and because of that, we became best friends.
Growing up, I spent my free time being creative with my siblings. For hours on end, my little brother and I would play “castle” with bricks and his collection of action figures. Together, we created all sorts of adventures. Taylor, my oldest sister, would write plays and dinner theaters that we would gleefully put on for our parents. Because they had no one to play with, my friends who were only children spent the majority of their free time glued to a television screen, depriving themselves of creative play. The best memories of my life contain my siblings and our escapades.
Siblings spice up your life. I would never trade the childhood I have had as the fifth out of six kids to be an only child. Siblings are the best friends that get to live in your house and I would not give that up for anything.