Boy, 9, was holding his baby brother with such ease that even his mother could not believe her eyes
Caregiving has long been associated with the societal roles of a woman, leaving men out of the nurturing duties. However, a 9-year-old brother is single-handedly challenging the notion and has blessed the world with his big brother energy. Amanda Arrows (@amanda_arrows), a mom of three, posted a viral video on her TikTok featuring her son with big guy energy, cradling his younger sibling with utmost care and concern. While people were initially concerned about his crude attempt at lifting the baby, by the end, it was explicit that the little man was ready to take on responsibility.
Attracting over 7.6 million views on social media, the video was a great example of sibling love and how even boys can perfectly take on caregiving roles. Dressed in a lime T-shirt and a cap worn backwards, the kid gently lifts up his infant sibling and carefully scoops him in his arms. Cradled in his arms, the boy, almost looking like he just got off work, pats the baby and observes him with a loving yet serious gaze. “When your 9-year-old handles his baby brother like he’s already got three kids and a mortgage,” the mother wrote in an overlay text.
In the caption, Arrows explained that the wholesome moment had unfolded about three years ago. As evident, the big brother was gentle with his sibling, but was probably not aware of the correct way to lift a baby. His hasty lift left the baby’s delicate neck unsupported, risking an injury. Noting that, the mom mentioned, “This was 3 years ago, the baby’s neck is perfectly fine, I promise.” She revealed that this was the “first time” he ever picked up the newborn. “What you don’t hear is me squealing to be careful. Just enjoy the cuteness and know my now 3, 12, and 14-year-olds are perfectly healthy with an inseparable bond,” she added.
The beautiful moment between the siblings resonated with millions of people, receiving 635,000 hearts online. People played along with the mother’s joke about the kid’s big brother aura. One person (@lauraliliana12340) mused, “Worked with him back in ‘68. Good fella.” While another (@_foxymouse_) said, “I feel like I can hear him huffing, ‘come er’ little guy’.” “Why is he picking that baby like he has 12 kids and counting?” wrote someone else (@ashlynrose907).
A thoughtful note by @wigglesmom999 stated, “The neck at the beginning would have me kinda worried, but otherwise he handled that great. He will be a great dad someday. His future wife is lucky.” The joke went on in subsequent comments. A viewer (@peachesgrowlikepotatoes) theorized, “That dude is at least 36. Everyone knows him at the hardware store and has good credit.”
@amanda_arrows This was 3 yearsago, the baby’s neck is perfectly fine I promise 🫶🏼 this was the first time he ever picked the baby up, and what you don’t hear is me squealing to be careful. Just enjoy the cuteness and know my now 3, 12 and 14 year olds are perfectly healthy with an inseparable bond 💓 #creatorsearchinsights #middlechild #Siblings #bigbrother #newbornlove #brotherbond #familymoments #siblingsforever #momlife #startingoveryears #motherhoodmagic #emotionalvideo ♬ sonido original - Vibes by Ley
@summer97431 wrote, “Even wearing the high vis shirt and backwards hat. It’s giving a working dad.” Jokes aside, the kid did set an example of the care and concern brothers are capable of giving. Caring for loved ones was never meant for only one gender to take responsibility for; even men could be primary nurturers, if not for societal bias and gender roles.
You can follow @amanda_arrows on TikTok for more videos.