Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness Unraveling Sibling Success with Susan Dominus
Mar 25, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Susan Dominus, an award-winning writer for The New York Times and Yale journalism professor, delves into the intricacies of sibling dynamics and family dynamics. She discusses how birth order influences personality and relationships among siblings. The talk explores what sets exceptional families apart and how parents can nurture their children's growth and independence. Susan's insights from her new book, The Family Dynamic, provide a fresh perspective on fostering success within families, all while keeping the conversation light and humorous.
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Origin of Interest
- Susan Dominus's interest in family dynamics started in childhood, observing differences in family cultures.
- Experiences like staying with other families and observing successful siblings at summer camp sparked her curiosity.
Defining Exceptional
- Dominus defines "exceptional" families as those who dream big and defy odds.
- She focused on families with diverse achievements, not just wealth or traditional success.
The Secret Sauce
- A sense of possibility is the "secret sauce" in exceptional families, according to Dominus.
- Many families had mottos reflecting this, like "all things possible."