Running show can't be for everybody, in fact it's only doable by the elite. You shape the rules, and you know the loop holes-- you've basically mastered the mind of your parents by fifth grade. Your younger sibling(s) look up to you as if you're the wisest, smartest, most put together individual there ever was--and you are. Being the Alpha child isn't always easy, but it sure is fun.
1. You grew up as the ringleader.
You were responsible for any mischief, or hell that broke lose in the house, but you loved the authority. When you wanted another dessert, you sent down your sibling to ask; however, when the rents say no, your plan fails and your little brother almost too effortlessly replies with "ok well (insert older sibling name here) told me to ask." As you cringe from the staircase you shoot a look of disapproval and explain why that line can never be said again. This isn't the only benefit of being the ringleader; confidence is bred through first children because all your younger sibling's friends think you're the coolest person they will ever meet because you're going to your friends house for a sleepover (little do they know you cried before you went to bed because you wanted your mom to come pick you up), but what they don't know won't hurt them.
2. You can bribe just about anyone.
Remember when you would throw that football just a little too hard at your younger brother? Neither does he. As soon as the ball that left your hand made contact with his face, you knew exactly what to do. As you run to his side to comfort him (beg him not to cry to mom and assure him that the remainder of your Halloween candy will be totally worth it) he swears into secrecy and you carry on with your day.
3. Coming Home After School Sucks.
After a long day of school, you come home to be swarmed by your brothers and sisters. With thousands of questions that you don't have the time for, you sprint up to your room right after the trip to the fridge. Obviously all your friends can't come home after school with you so back home to children half your age is where you'll be for the night. You love your siblings but they simply don't understand the high school drama that you're involved in. Your go-to line when your parents and or sibs ask why you don't hang out any more is, "I have so much homework."
4. Your clothes magically disappear
And your sister is responsible. Ever stumble into your sisters room and find your entire closet? Same. When you take them back, hell breaks lose because apparently that's their favorite shirt; all 5 of them. Somehow they manage to look better in it than you do too but who's noticing.
5. You set the bar for expectations.
Not having to live up to anyone's expectations is nice, but when your siblings are over-achievers you dissipate into the average Joe, and you're okay with it. It is what it is, especially when the first impression you leave on teachers reflects on them, so making school easy for them isn't exactly on the top of your list--that being said, good luck, fam.
6. Your parents blame their attitude on you.
You may fall victim to oldest child syndrome if these lines are familiar to you: "See, look what you taught your brother!", "Don't do that your brothers are going to pick up on that!", "Do you want to turn out like (insert your name here)?" Yea, awesome mom thanks for the shout outs. Never understood this theory, but I got my attitude from you Mom and you don't here me saying those lines to you.
7. Your siblings fake injuries just to get you in trouble.
At this point, you give up on trying to convince them that their fake crying because that never turns out in your favor anyways. "Yea, I did push Joe down the stairs sorry, i'll go to my room now." Whatever, it makes you look tougher than you actually are.
8. You get the best Christmas gifts.
While your younger siblings are getting hand-me down toys that you owned when you were younger, you're blessed with a new iPhone and money for shopping. Have fun with those toys though! Maybe if you didn't fake cry to Mom, Santa would have brought you something better; again, sent to the room.
9. Getting money is easier than you think.
From a very young age, getting money from them is a cake walk, "I'll trade you these nickels for all of those dimes--they are way bigger they are worth so much more." This benefits us so much more today though. "Mom, I'll bring _____ to school today if you give me gas money." I knew you guys would end up paying off.
10. You learn to love unconditionally.
No matter how annoying your siblings get, you really can't ever get enough of them. They love you at your worst (when you go downstairs for breakfast straight out of bed), and your best (haven't gotten there yet). No matter what they get you in trouble for, your their best friend, and role model, and in a way they are yours. You love them way more than they'll ever know.
