Yes, the constant bickering drives me crazy, but it’s also an essential skill to debate, disagree, and compromise. Seeing friends and cousins on a play date doesn’t have the same effect as living under the same roof. Feelings of superiority and inferiority come and go on a minute to minute basis during sibling play and I dare to say that it makes for a more stable adult. I know there are plenty of cases of trauma caused by siblings to make the case for an only child as well. I’m only half joking when I say, “I’m glad I had a 2nd kid because I WAS married to an only child, and I don’t want to be responsible subjecting that to anyone else.” Hah! Stoked to have two. They’re 7 and 9 now so it’s at the point where they spill out and adventure when we go camping. It makes me gooey watching them walk a ridge together while I make dinner and enjoy a cold beer.