The way this 9-year-old carries his baby brother? We weren’t ready
Credit: Tiktok / @amanda_arrows
He scoops up the baby with that perfect combo of strength, care, and pure big brother energy.
There are big brothers… and then there’s this kid.
In a now-viral TikTok posted by @amanda_arrows (7 million views and counting), a 9-year-old lifts his baby brother like he’s on his third shift and running late for daycare pickup. Dressed like he just got off a job site, the kid doesn’t hesitate—he scoops up the baby with that perfect combo of strength, care, and pure big brother energy. The kind that says, “I’ve seen some things, kid.”
Related: “This could have been an email”: Toddler’s priceless reaction to meeting baby sister goes viral
The internet immediately turned this into a group chat moment:
- “Bro just came from his construction job. 😅” — @greta (66K likes)
- “I feel like I can just hear him huffing ‘come er’ little guy” 😭❤️ — @anna.k.m (13.2K likes)
- “A single dad who works 3 jobs, who loves his kids and never stops.” — @ihmlsfmkmrn (20.7K likes)
But once we wipe the tears from laughing, there’s something deeper here too. Because moments like this challenge the outdated idea that boys aren’t natural nurturers. And when older siblings step into these roles, it’s not just cute—it’s formative.
And research backs this up: According to a study in Society for Research in Child Development, when kids—especially older siblings—take on small responsibilities, it helps them build confidence, empathy, and a stronger bond with younger siblings.
It’s not just cute—it’s formative.
Why this moment hits deeper than just laughs
When boys show nurturing instincts, it reminds us that caretaking isn’t just learned—it’s human. And when older siblings take on responsibility, research shows it actually builds their confidence, emotional intelligence, and strengthens the sibling bond. According to the University of New Hampshire, older siblings who care for younger siblings demonstrate increased empathy, responsibility, and emotional maturity—all skills that contribute to long-term well-being and social development.
So yes, this little guy may look like he’s juggling a mortgage and three kids—but what he’s really doing is reminding us of something important: Caretaking isn’t a role. It’s a relationship. And boys belong in it, too.
Related: Best big brother ever: Toddler captured baby wearing and snuggling his newborn sister
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