There is often a common misconception that being the oldest child is the greatest possible status in life you could ever ask for. As the youngest sibling, I find it insulting that my pivotal role as the baby of the family is undermined in such a way. After all, there’s a reason why your parents didn’t want to have any more children after you, right? In honor of all of my fellow youngsters out there, here are 10 reasons why being the youngest child is the best.
1. Your older sibling was the “experimental” child.
The oldest child is always the tester kid—the parents don’t really know what they’re doing, how strict they’re supposed to be or how to properly raise a child. While your older sibling is the brunt of your mom or dad’s experimentation, they’re probably pros by the time they get to you.
2. You always have a personal chauffeur.
In that sweet period when your older sibling has their license and you are still struggling to figure out the difference between the gas and brake pedals, you’ll always have a ride to a friend’s house or a party when you need it (whether they like it or not).
3. You already have a reputation.
From the first day of high school, you’re not just some other nameless freshman in the crowd. Instead, you’re known around the town as “(enter sibling’s name) sister.” Although some might see that as a bad thing, I like the fact that I don’t even have to worry about name recognition—people already know who I am even before the first day of school.
4. You learn from your sibling’s mistakes.
Whether it was an illegal turn on a driver’s license test or signing up for a class with a terrible teacher, being the youngest means that you can avoid bad decisions from your older siblings’ trials and errors.
5. You rarely have to pay for anything.
In the game of figuring out who has to pay for dinner, your parents and older siblings have to battle it out. Being the baby of the family means that you’re always the last resort.
6. You get a second closet.
Why are hand-me-downs seen as a bad thing? The oldest siblings have to pay for all of their clothes, while I have a personal thrift store in my own home.
7. You get away with more stuff.
While many others might deny it, I am fully willing to admit that I can get away with coming home late at night or “forgetting” to empty out the dishwasher way more often than my older sibling did.
8. You have way more freedom.
By the time you’re born, your mom or dad is probably tired of the whole “parenting” thing. As a result, you get more wiggle room to do as you please.
9. No high expectations or responsibilities.
All of the expectations are on your oldest sibling’s shoulders. They are the firstborn child—they are the ones who are expected to be a perfect child, and have the responsibility to live up to those expectations. Us younger siblings? We don’t have to do much more than allow ourselves to be called the “baby of the family” to make everyone happy.
10. You learn how to have thick skin.
Growing up being teased mercilessly by your siblings has undoubtedly made you a tougher person. Whatever mean words anybody has to say to you, your siblings have most likely said it first (and were probably way more harsh, too). Don’t worry, though, you’ll also have a way better sense of humor because of it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
