Being the eldest child means at some point you got all the attention from your parents and received many other perks. Life was good. Being the oldest meant having a playroom to yourself, all the toys in the world, spoiled by the whole family. At some point, though, you may have asked your parents for someone else to share this all with: a younger sibling. Thats when things changed. I think anyone who is the eldest child can agree with me when I say it can be a blessing and a curse.
1. Having to share
Blessing: Having more options when it comes to clothes, food, pretty much everything. Parents have to buy more since theres more than one kid so the options are endless.
Curse: You did not give them the permission to wear that shirt of yours they're wearing in that selfie on Instagram. Doesn't matter if you paid for it yourself, “You’re siblings so you share.” Whatever you say Mom and Dad…
2. Being the test subject
Blessing: Your parents have no idea what they're doing so when you ask to do something new, its new for them too. You get to do things that your younger siblings may never get the opportunity to do, depending on how it goes with you.
Curse: You're the test subject… So they may be strict on things you do or wanna know every aspect of what you're doing at every time of the day. But when it comes to the younger ones they can do anything as long as they make it home alive in one piece. They get away with everything you made sure not to get caught doing.
3. More trust from parents
Blessing: Being the oldest, there’s no one to put any thoughts into your parents heads. They trust you 100% as long as you don’t get caught you're golden. When it comes to the younger ones they're trusted less because you may or may not have made a questionable decision that your parents don’t want the younger ones to make too. Whoops, sorry.
Curse: Since you have this trust, you have to do everything not to break it. You have to tip toe around and make sure you're not doing anything that your parents will question. Cause once they start questioning you better hope you have a good way to get out of that lie you made.
4. Set the expectation for younger siblings
Blessing: This definitely comes in handy in school. You get to do everything to your own ability, teachers will always expect the younger ones to do just as well as you did if you were a good student. You set the pace for how your family name goes through the school. Do well, and your siblings will have to live up to that expectation.
Curse: Setting the expectations can be stressful. If you don’t do well, and a teacher doesn't like you. That will most likely effect how they treat your siblings. So you have to make sure you do well so that they don’t get looked down on.
5. Having someone look up to you
Blessing: It’s nice to be that role model for someone. Knowing that you have the opportunity to make sure they become the best person they can be. It’s so honorable to hear the words “I wanna be like my big sister (brother).” You would do anything to make sure you can also be the best person possible, just for them.
Curse: This also can be super stressful, and frustrating. You constantly have someone around you, watching your every move and doing everything to be like you. You want so badly to be that good influence, but you yourself can make mistakes sometimes, and you just hope that they can see past that and still look up to you.
6. Having to look after the smaller less cool version of yourself
Blessing: This is the fun part. They do whatever you say because they have to, and you're in charge. Want them to get you a glass of water? I’m in charge, and thirsty. Water please. Don’t wanna take the dog for a walk? I’m so tired from being in charge, take the dog out. You have all the power.
Curse: You're always babysitting, for free. Doesn't matter if you have plans that night, you're babysitting. Apparently you're supposed to see this as a good time to bond, no thanks, please get away from me.
7. Always having a cheer section
Blessing: You can always count on them being at your school or sporting events, cheering you on. They love that they can tell their friends that their older siblings on the soccer team, or has one of the lead roles in the play at the high school. You can always count on them to cheer you on and make sure everyone knows you're their amazing older sibling.
Curse: It can be a little embarrassing sometimes when you're name is the only one being screamed on the sideline. Sort of adds a little pressure on. They've also been watching you practice forever so if you mess up, they'll know and make sure everyone else does too just to embarrass you!
8. Being “known”
Blessing: Being the oldest means that everyone knows who you are first, and your siblings are known as your little sibling. They're constantly being asked, “Oh you're (your name)’s little sister/brother!” That’s what they’re known as to most, unless they can make a name for themselves, sorry kid.
Curse: Wherever you go, you have younger kids coming up to you asking if you're their friends older sibling. Yes I am, please don’t talk to me. Sometimes, you even have the occasional weirdos who will take pictures of you and send it to your siblings. Newsflash: That’s weird and creepy. Don’t do it.
9. Always having someone there for you
Blessing: No matter what you're going through, where you are, someone will always be there for you to lean on. Even if you're in the wrong, they will take your side and help you through any situation.
Curse: They always know when somethings wrong. So even if you just want to be alone to deal with something, they will bug you until you let them help. You will not be left alone.
10. It’s a struggle, but only the best can do the job
Blessing: It takes a strong person to be able to deal with everything that goes into being the oldest sibling. But if you do it right, it shows how amazing you are as a person. Being the oldest is not easy, but it is so rewarding.
Curse: You didn't chose to have this responsibility. It may be the hardest job you will ever have, and you have to do it for your whole life.
Overall, being the oldest sibling is the most rewarding job ever. Being able to watch someone grow into being who they are, and knowing you were apart of that is awesome. There is nothing we wouldn't do for our little siblings. No matter what they will always be our annoying little siblings, but we wouldn't change it for the world. Thank you for helping us learn responsibility, for loving us regardless, thank you for being there for us, thank you for being you.
