Reply To: Raising Siblings: Pros and Cons

Children should not be raising their siblings, period. Children should pitch in with the household duties which may include some child-care duties. The issue is when does it cross the line from appropriate chores/pitching in to actually being a third parent. That is where it becomes unhealthy and causes all sorts of issues. But changing a few diapers or keeping them entertained on a long Shabbos afternoon is definitely not in that category, and is even good for them- when they’re a parent, IY’H, they’ll be somewhat prepared.