About this episode

The episode discusses the complexities of adult sibling relationships shaped by family dynamics and individual experiences.

This week on ShrinkChicks, Em and Jen talk about adult sibling relationships and why growing up in the same family doesn't always mean growing up with the same experience. They explore how family roles, parentification, favoritism, and changing family dynamics can shape sibling relationships long after childhood. They answer listener questions about feeling responsible for younger siblings, navigating resentment toward a "golden child" sibling, and having difficult conversations without blame. They also discuss what happens when your emotional growth outpaces your family, how to avoid getting pulled into triangulation, and why siblings often experience the same parents in completely different ways. The conversation also covers the eldest daughter dynamic, repairing relationships after years of distance, and how to let go of roles that may have helped you survive childhood but no longer serve you as an adult. Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 10:30 to skip the intro and get straight to today’s content. Link to Siblings Without Rivalry book mentioned ⁠ Get Matched With One of Our Therapists ⁠ at The Therapy Group! ⁠ShrinkChicks on Instagram⁠…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jennifer Chaiken, Emmalee Bierly

Topics covered

• adult sibling relationships
• family dynamics
• parentification
• favoritism
• emotional growth
• boundaries

Keywords

• sibling relationships
• family roles
• resentment
• golden child
• emotional growth
• triangulation
• eldest daughter dynamic

Sponsors

Boll & Branch

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Siblings Without Rivalry

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• How to Argue Without Ruining Your Relationship · July 20, 2026 · 38 min
• Insecurities: Why They Keep You Stuck (and How to Move Forward) · July 13, 2026 · 41 min
• Rewind: Boundaries with Emotionally Immature People · July 6, 2026 · 46 min
• Are You Settling or Just Compromising in Your Relationship? · June 22, 2026 · 42 min
• How Our Assumptions Keep Us Stuck · June 15, 2026 · 37 min

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