ABSTRACT

A sibling pair may be very happy with the newcomer until he or she is old enough to smash their games, to make demands, to want to join in. From the moment a third child enters the family the siblings become a group. They are faced with the task of finding a space for themselves amongst their peers. When a new sibling joins an existing pair or group, in whatever circumstances, there will be emotional upheaval. Older siblings may feel increasingly responsible, burdened with having to be ‘good’ or set an example. Sibling experience is generally thought about in terms of a complete family. But each sibling combination in the history of the family will create a different psychic experience. All societies and cultures sustain moral values through myths and legends which are handed down the generations. Siblings can play a very important role in paving the way for one another.