Sibling mirroring, differences, and creative talents (Part I)

As we have explained in other blogs, the Little Honey stories are little vignettes from our early childhood and, while somewhat embellished, actually occurred. The goodwill we displayed as little girls towards each other and the world around us resulted in lasting benefits throughout our lives.

In early childhood, Angel (or Tara) was the quieter, more studious, very artistic and creative, yet less athletic, child while Little Honey (or Rachel) was the more rambunctious and physically active one with a penchant for telling stories.  We have a blog about sibling relationships and another one about how, in the Back Story, each child wanted to mirror the other.

Mirroring from parent to child and sibling to sibling is a healthy developmental stage.  As Tara and I grew from small children to young teens, we often enrolled in the same or similar activities, such as the YMCA Junior Leaders and gymnastics and, as the younger sibling, I followed Tara’s lead.

Yet during this time, both of us learned to lean into our individual talents. So, I didn’t become the gymnast that Tara was in high school and college but found playing other Varsity sports satisfying. Instead of teaching as a career which I loved doing, I went into law.  And when Tara started playing the drums, I took piano lessons.

Throughout our lifetime, we have moved away from being mirrors of each other but instead, to focus on our best talents while at the same time, supportive of each other.  So, it was an easy ask to see if Tara, who has such lovely artistic talent, would illustrate the Little Honey books.  And then she devoted so many of her creative talents to developing the Little Honey books, webpage, facebook page and other features of our books.

I will say that as the younger sibling, I have had the distinct advantage to follow my very creative, intelligent older sister, Tara. And it’s still happening now that we have entered our “golden” years.
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What is your relationship with your sibling(s)? How has it changed from childhood to adulthood?  Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section below.  AND please stay tuned for Part II of this Blog in July 2023!