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Siblings

"I took advantage of my role as big sister."

Listen to this Commentary!

By Kiah Vernon

I’m Kiah Vernon, a junior at Grady High School with a commentary from Youth Radio.

When it comes to learning how to get along with others, having a sibling is the best education. It's like learning through trial and error. You do or say something wrong to your sibling and your parents discipline you. It's not the end of the world because it’s your family, and just part of growing up. Having a sibling also gives a person thick skin. You get used to hearing things you don't necessarily want to hear.

I guess you could say that my brother and I went through a lot of trial and error as little kids. I took advantage of my role as big sister. When I wanted something I couldn't have, I took all of my anger out on my brother. There were many occasions where my parents would yell at me about something. Then, about two minutes later my brother would be crying at the top of his lungs because I hit him.

I liked being the oldest, and bossing my brother around. Our fights would last until our parents came in, broke us up and punished us. There were times when I was so bossy towards my brother that my mother had to remind me I wasn't the mommy.

I didn't think there was ever going to be a time when my brother and I could get along and understand each other. But in the 8th grade, I had a talk with my mother that changed my attitude. She told me I was pushing my brother away, which was the last thing I wanted to do. I made an effort to be nicer to him, and not boss him around as much. I have learned to respect him, and not boss him around like he is a child. We still fight, but we can goof off together five minutes later.

Now, hanging out, I can just be myself around my brother, and not worry about what he is going to think of me if I make up a dumb song and sing it twenty-four seven. He understands me and I understand him.

It suddenly feels like the age difference is disappearing, and instead of thinking of him as my little brother he is just my brother.

I’m Kiah Vernon.

HOST BACK ANNOUNCE: Youth Radio Atlanta is produced in cooperation with Grady High School, WABE, and Youth Radio in Berkeley, California and is funded in part by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.