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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Brother Sparked Journalistic Passion
- Susan Dominus's older brother persuaded her in ninth grade to start a high school newspaper, which sparked her passion for journalism.
- This illustrates how siblings can strongly influence choices during adolescence when parental advice might be less effective.
Birth Order Affects Academics Not Personality
- Birth order is less influential on personality than commonly believed but can affect academic performance.
- Oldest siblings often gain an academic edge due to concentrated parental attention and teaching younger siblings.
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.
