Problem: How can I make notes with bullet points in this paragraph? Birth order and sibling interactions Position in the family also affects how children interact with their siblings. Older sisters often act as caregivers; a firstborn girl in a large family might warm bottles, change diapers, and soothe a squalling infant with the efficiency and skill of a young mother (East, 2010; Edwards & Whiting, 1993). A national survey in the United States estimated that 1.4 million children and adolescents are involved in some type of family caregiving (National Alliance for Caregiving, 2005). Children and adolescents who assume such household responsibilities, including sibling caregiving, gain an increased sense of maturity, self-esteem, self-reliance, and empathy (East, 2010). But there is a "dark side" to such caregiving: Sibling care that is time-consuming (20 or more hours per week) or extends over several years has been linked to increased stress, depression, academic difficulties, school dropout, and teen pregnancy (East, 2010; East & Weisner, 2009). As well as acting as caregivers, older siblings can serve as resources for their younger siblings in times of stress, particularly if the children do not have a supportive adult or helpful friend (Conger et al., 2009). Need Assignment Help?