When people think about family, they often think of parents. But for many of us, siblings are the ones who truly grow up alongside us—sharing secrets, struggles, and milestones. They’re our first friends, co-conspirators, and sometimes, even our fiercest protectors. For Latino/a/x families, where family ties are especially strong, these sibling bonds can carry even deeper meaning. Our recent study explored how Latino/a/x siblings who grew up in the U.S. navigated cultural adaptation—and how those experiences shaped their relationships with one another. What we found was powerful.
Siblings Learn to Navigate Two Worlds—Together
For Latino/a/x youth growing up in immigrant households, life often means moving between two worlds: the culture of their parents and the mainstream U.S. culture. This constant shifting, also called cultural alternation, can be challenging—but siblings often do it together. They speak “Spanglish,” make inside jokes about family traditions, and act as cultural translators for each other.
This shared experience creates a deep bond, offering a sense of comfort and understanding that others might not provide. As one participant put it, “What made it easier was knowing my sibling got it.”
Older Siblings Often Take on a Lot—Sometimes Too Much
One of the most common patterns we saw was the heavy load carried by older siblings. Many acted as caretakers—translating for parents, helping younger siblings with school, and managing responsibilities beyond their years. Sometimes, this role felt like being “another parent.”
But here’s what was striking: younger siblings noticed. They didn’t take this help for granted. Many expressed admiration and appreciation, even when they hadn’t said it aloud before.
Parents Play a Big Role, Too
In almost every family, parents made it clear: siblings must stick together. Whether through gentle reminders or strong expectations, Latino/a/x parents often reinforced the importance of unity, forgiveness, and lifelong connection between siblings. Phrases like “You’re each other’s best friends” weren’t uncommon.
These family values—known as familism—aren’t just abstract ideas. They shape how siblings relate to one another, support one another, and grow together through life’s challenges.
Why This Matters
When we talk about mental health, cultural identity, or immigrant experiences, we often focus on individuals or parent-child relationships. But this study reminds us: siblings matter, too. They are often a hidden source of resilience, support, and identity.
For therapists, educators, and policymakers, this means paying closer attention to the sibling dynamic—especially in immigrant and culturally diverse families. And for those of us with siblings, it’s a reminder to appreciate the ways they’ve helped us navigate the world, often in quiet but profound ways.
Because sometimes, what gets us through the hardest times isn’t just resilience—it’s knowing “we’ve got each other.”
ReCAP Lab 
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