Part Three: How we help

I am not the only one who has had to play a bigger role for my siblings during the pandemic nor has my situation been the most challenging. Older siblings everywhere are being forced to step up and discover a little more intimately about what being a parent entails. 

Chris Agaton, senior at West Campus, has three younger siblings, a brother in eighth grade, a sister in pre-school, and a baby sister who is barely two years old. Agaton, who had been used to helping take care of his siblings before the pandemic, has stepped into a similar role of caring for them despite having his own set of responsibilities. 

“One of the more challenging things would be just helping my siblings with their homework when I already have my homework to work on,” said Agaton. “I also go to work so sometimes after working eight hours, I come home and help my sister with her homework. Or I play with my sisters and brother to just pass the time for them.”

In addition to having to help with homework, older siblings have had to play a role as teachers making sure that their siblings get logged onto their next classes at the right time and stay on top of their work. 

East Campus freshman Jakub Pietkiewicz has stepped into that role for his younger brother who is in second grade. 

“I have had to keep more track of time by watching for my brother’s next class and sometimes helping him within classwork,” said Pietkiewicz. “My biggest challenge is to focus on my school and his at the same time.”

Helping keep younger sibling occupied and entertained has been yet another crucial role that older siblings have had to play during the pandemic. With most activities and social gathering being cancelled, siblings have become a constant source of entertainment for each other.

Logan Freid, West Campus senior and older brother, has also had to navigate the ups and downs of digital learning. Freid has played a role in getting his fifth-grade brother through math assignments and boredom. 

“Sometimes he struggles with math assignments. Right away he goes to Mom, and she says to go to me since I’m better in the subject,” said Freid. “[I’ve also been] trying to keep him motivated to stay fit with normal and fun fitness. He is a soccer player.”