Explaining Asian Sibling Relationships, Roles, Rivalries & Dynamics | Ep. 81

In this episode of the Level: Asian Podcast, we break down the roles and responsibilities we carry amongst our siblings, how we live into our stereotypical traits, and unlearning our roles within the family to allow our siblings to grow. 

Kan and Viv share their experiences growing up with the ‘first’ version of their parents, juggling with their dual roles to manage the parental and sibling emotional burden, and how they have started sharing the burden with the siblings, while Noel reflects his childhood as an only child and his desires to have a sibling to grow up with. 

Davie opens up about his family’s sibling dynamics, from being the youngest, carefree, and playful sibling, to the struggles of constantly being overlooked and now being the ‘breadwinner’ of the household. 

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:24 The Crew Introduce Their Siblings
• 2:52 Responses From Instagram Call Out
• 6:29 Expectations/Responsibility of Daughters vs. Sons
• 11:24 The Emotional Burden Taken by Eldest Siblings
• 13:09 A Youngest Child’s Perspective
• 19:52 Life as an Only Child
• 22:24 The Role of Each Sibling in Davie’s Family
• 23:19 Different Siblings Getting Different Versions of Their Parents
• 25:19 Not Being Taken Seriously as the Youngest Child
• 26:58 Kan’s Dynamic With His Brother
• 29:24 Siblings Dealing with Parent’s Emotional Baggage and Filial Duty
• 35:32 Having a Sibling Relationship vs. Parent Relationship, as an Eldest Child
• 37:29 Davie’s Brother Comes to the Rescue
• 39:59 What it’s Like to be a Twin
• 40:55 Living Apart Bringing Siblings Closer
• 42:25 Unlearning Your Role in the Family
• 43:05 Having Extended Family Act Like Siblings
• 48:07 Navigating Toxic Siblings
• 54:50 Does the L:A Crew Fit Sibling Stereotypes?
• 57:49 Noel Adopts a Sibling
• 58:58 Wrap Up