The Importance of Brothers

Eighty-two percent of U.S. residents have a stronger bond with their siblings in the early years of their lives than other people, according to an article at PsychologyToday.com. Although this bond will face challenges because of sibling rivalry or acquisition of new contacts, such as boyfriends and girlfriends, siblings usually develop strong and lasting relationships that continue after marriage or the death of their parents 2. It is important for siblings to recognize the role they play in the family and toward their fellow siblings. Brothers, for example have their own roles and responsibilities in a family setting 4.

Teaching of Values

A brother teaches his siblings about life values -- this is usually a responsibility of elder brothers. Parents usually indoctrinate family values into their elder sons and expect them to act as role models for their siblings. Brothers are also in charge of ensuring that their siblings follow the basic house rules, particularly in the absence of their parents.

Protectors

Brothers are usually protectors of their siblings. They might confront bullies to protect their fellow siblings. They also teach their siblings how to react when confronted with a stressful or scary situation. Brothers are the keepers of their siblings. Where he sees his sibling is interacting with the wrong crowd or engaging in harmful behaviors such as substance abuse he can advise him to cease such behavior or notify their parents when it is beyond his power to correct his sibling, according to the PsychologyToday.com article.

Companionship

People usually remember their childhood companions as their siblings. Brothers especially are notorious for knowing the best places to play or new innovative games. They push their siblings to try new experiences therefore, broadening their childhood experiences. They also serve as useful companions, collaborators and conspirators during both playful and cheeky moments. The camaraderie established between sisters and their brothers, for example, may influence how girls view and treat the future men in their lives, according to the Child and Youth Health website.

Emotional Support

Siblings especially brothers are able to handle stressful circumstances arising in a family setting and assist their fellow siblings to handle the same. For example, during challenging family moments such as a death in the family, divorce or separation, brothers can explain the problem to their siblings and help them cope with the stresses of the moment. Brothers also come through for their siblings as they grow up and need financial or emotional support especially where the parents are absent.