Tim Dowling: my sisters are home alone – in my complicated house where nothing works
My siblings’ visit reminds me how tricky Britain can be for Americans – particularly our house, with its incontinent dog, tricky loo and sticky front door lock
May 2024
Explain it to me quickly
‘Eldest daughter syndrome’: what is it and why is everyone talking about it right now?
Why has this (very unofficial) diagnosis been trending on TikTok, and is it possible to have eldest daughter syndrome even if you’re the youngest sister?
April 2024
Ask Annalisa Barbieri
My brother bullied me, which has had a lifelong impact. Can I build bridges with him now?
He is the one who should be saying sorry. There’s no miracle cure, but do consider therapy, and keep good people around you
You be the judge
You be the judge: should my sister help me challenge our brother’s sexist views?
Mina confronts Tom, but little sister Layla would rather keep the peace. You decide who’s right in this sister act?
Five of the best
Five of the best books about siblings
Our brothers and sisters can be our best friends, our enemies, and everything in between. These stories explore the unique bonds we have with them
March 2024
Ask Philippa
I crave connection with my siblings – but they are toxic
Ask Annalisa Barbieri
My sister-in-law has treated her family terribly. I avoid her but still feel bad about it
February 2024
TV tonight
TV tonight: a remarkable tale of conjoined twins
Inseparable Sisters explores a father’s dilemma over whether his twin daughters should be separated. Plus: a bombshell in post in Alice & Jack. Here’s what to watch this evening
Will the king’s cancer heal his feuding sons – or create a new schism?
When a parent is unwell, family rivalries from a tangled past may resurface – as appears to be happening with Harry and William
Flashback
Orbital’s Paul and Phil Hartnoll look back: ‘At times you think: why am I doing this and giving you half the money?’
The rave pioneers on bricklaying, bust-ups and going to therapy
January 2024
Sibling rivalry runs deep in the human soul – but the tale of the prodigal son has something to teach us all
Justine Toh
There’s a reason we keep returning to stories where insecurity abounds, the anger is bitter, the shame an enveloping storm
December 2023
Ask Annalisa Barbieri
My brother is trying to defraud our mother’s estate
Don’t be bullied. Any shady dealings will be revealed by the probate process, so let the solicitors get to the bottom of this difficult issue
November 2023
‘Don’t get into the it’s-not-fair game!’ How to survive the hell of sibling rivalry – as a child and a parent
Ask Annalisa Barbieri
I’ve always wanted to visit England – and feel hurt that my two sisters have planned a trip there without me
October 2023
Five sets of twins, two sets of triplets: the school where the HSC presents identical issues
Guardian Australia visits the Sydney high school where multiple-birth siblings make up more than 10% of the year 12 cohort
August 2023
Weekend
Weekend podcast: best of 2023...so far - part 2
Ask Annalisa Barbieri
Should I still see my difficult sister now our parents have died?
Flashback
EastEnders star Charlie Brooks looks back: ‘We were just two kids from Wales. That fed into never quite feeling worthy’
The Tim Dowling column
Tim Dowling: my sisters have taken a stand on my share of the stuff in the attic
June 2023
You be the judge
You be the judge: should my sister clean up after herself when our parents are away?
Matt gets frustrated that Natalie lets dishes pile up. She enjoys a respite from parental rules. Whose argument won’t wash with you?
