It’s your first day at school. You’ve been looking forward to it for quite a while. Finally you’ll be like your older brother or sister and you’re sure he or she will take care of you. Well, you’ll maybe be in for a not so nice surprise as the BBC reports:

“The thought of being able to play with siblings during breaks was found to be is an exciting prospect for children preparing to start school.

One child who took part in the study, described her idea of school: “You will play in the playground. Do Maths. Get to see my sisters.”

However, it seems the older family members are not as keen on the idea of spending time with the little ones.

In one of the studied schools, where older children were asked to spend time in the reception class, one child dismissed the idea as “baby stuff, because my little sister is here.”

The researchers also found many older siblings are reticent about recounting what actually happens at school to their younger family members.” (source BBC)

I found the actual research this article was based on but didn’t have access (sadly), this is the abstract:

This paper investigates the role of child experts (siblings and buddies) in young children’s transition to school. Drawing on two recent studies, that sought the perspectives of children, educators and family members about effective supports at this time, we explore the roles of other children in the processes and practices of transition. This exploration is informed by sociocultural theories which position transitions as collectively produced and shared with significant others.