An adorable moment between a baby boy and his big sister is captured in a video shared by Youtube user Ashley Caruso back in 2012. The little brother has no idea how much his big sister loves him as he lays on the shoulders of his big sister, being gently rocked back and forth to some music.
Her role as assistant caretaker is clearly taken very seriously by this big sister. The responsibility isn’t a burden on her, but one she values. When she’s a teenager and wants to be with her friends, this may change, but for now, she is caring, gentle, and patient with him.
I find this footage so touching because this girl is trying to keep her brother safe by keeping him close to her. She cradles him tightly to make her brother feel safe. However, when she makes a few sudden dance moves, her ability to protect him is challenged for the first time.
Towards the end of the video, she takes a turn that causes her to lose her balance slightly. “Can I hold him now?” Mom asked hurriedly, “Can I hold him now?” Yes, even mom asked for permission to take her son away from his sister.
Throughout the world, there are lots of big sisters who are tasked with helping their mothers take care of their younger siblings. It is a natural role in that girls grow up playing with dolls and learn the role of caretaker as soon as they start playing with them.
By doing this, they subliminally learn that the baby is in need of care, and it is their responsibility to provide it. Now, when new babies are brought home from the hospital, the big sister already has her “training” and is ready to take over and use her skills when needed.
Oftentimes, older sisters take care of their younger siblings without a thought in their heads, and they do so with loving care. Mothers often rely on older sisters to step in when help is needed, and they are always there to assist. In addition to helping with meals, laundry, cleaning, babysitting, and more, sisters often don’t receive the credit and recognition they deserve as assistant-mothers. But these sisters often relish the job and are committed to doing what’s expected of them. They are female heroes or “sheroes.”
