The Brian Lehrer Show How Our Siblings Shape Us
Jun 30, 2025
Susan Dominus, a staff writer for the New York Times Magazine and author of The Family Dynamic, explores how siblings profoundly influence personal development, often more than parents. She shares insights on birth order and its effects on achievement and personal growth, illustrating her points with stories from families like the Groffs and Murguia. Dominus also discusses the strong bonds formed in artistic families and how these connections foster creativity and resilience, highlighting the critical role siblings play in navigating life's challenges.
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Paulus Family's Arts Immersion
- The Paulus family grew up near Lincoln Center in NYC with parents fostering arts exposure despite modest means.
- Their father's passion and community contacts provided priceless cultural opportunities shaping their successful arts careers.
Older Siblings as Education Guardians
- The Chen family’s oldest siblings took active roles in guiding and supporting their younger siblings' education.
- This sibling-led protection compensated for parents' limited time and created strong protective bonds.
Trivia Bond Led to Jeopardy Win
- Raj and his younger brother bonded over trivia games, developing their own shared language and culture.
- His brother recently won on Jeopardy, showcasing the depth of their shared intellectual connection.
