Richard Hogan: Sibling relationships can be tricky to navigate

Narrow labelling of children can breed all sorts of discontent between siblings

Richard Hogan. Photograph Moya Nolan

The longest relationships you have are with your siblings. But they can be some of the trickiest relationships. So many factors are at play: Where you come in the family, how your parents managed the dynamic between their children, and your siblings’ life partners.

Also, the eldest often has too much responsibility placed on their shoulders, and can become over burdened with being the good, conscientious one. If you are the eldest daughter, the family system might quickly label you the good daughter, and the good sister.