Being the first born can be fun and challenging at the same time. Being the oldest, I'm sure you could relate to a few of these if not all.
1. You are more independent.
Being born first means you're in charge, right? You constantly "boss" your siblings to pick up after themselves and remind them to do things. You rarely rely on anyone else for help. You grew up fast and learned to take care of you and those around you. Responsibility was like second nature to you.
2. You are protective of your siblings.
No one gets to pick on your siblings, well except you. If someone messes with them, they are messing with you too. You wouldn't ever let anyone hurt them no matter how annoying they may be at times.
3. You are the guinea pig of the family.
You are the "trial child". You are the first one to walk, ride a bike, join sports and go to school. First to experience a broken bone, heartbreak, friend problems, and so much more. You set the bar for what is expected of the younger sibling and what may need to be improved.
4. You can't get away with anything.
Since you are the first child, your parents have you under a magnifying glass. Trying to get away with something is near impossible. As mine always said, "I'm ten steps ahead of you."
Do you really think you can go to that party without them knowing the friend, their parents, address, and contact information? Do you dare ask for later curfew. Don't even get me starting on dating or when you weren't even allowed to watch certain "age-rated" movies like your siblings can now.
5. You're the reason your siblings can't get away with anything.
Say on that rare occasion, you got caught trying to get away with something you shouldn't of, or your parents gave in to your sure to fail plan. What your siblings don't realize is every plan and trick they have, you tried at their age...and got busted.
6. From the time you were of age, you became the family babysitter and chauffeur.
Your friends want to go eat after school or practice, forget it. You have to drive everyone home or pick them up and take them places. Friday night with your friends? Nah, probably watching your siblings. You were left in charge to tell them what they could and couldn't do and to get them where they needed to be which more often than not lead to ugly arguments. As they get older though, you'll be the first one they'll ask for a ride.
7. Your punishments were more severe than your siblings.
Being older means that you can't do anything wrong. You should know what is "right" and "wrong" and the expectations your parents have of you. After all, you are the role model for your siblings. You should know better. You fail a test and get grounded for a month meanwhile your sibling just gets a "don't do it again".
8. You get blamed for everything.
Your mom can't find her keys? Your fault. Your siblings did something they weren't supposed to? Your fault. Your dad can't find his glasses? Your fault.
9. You are your siblings biggest fan.
Even when they annoy you, you want them to succeed. You will always cheer the loudest and push them to be the best that they can be. Who else besides mom and dad would sit for long hours at games and ceremonies?
10. You will always be there for your family no matter what.
At the end of the day, you love them more than anything else. Yours is the hand that helps them up when they're down (even if occasionally you are the one that tripped them). At the end of the day, they will be the person in your life for the longest amount of time, and that's a bond to be cherished.
