No matter where you’re from and no matter who you are, there are some universal experiences that all youngest siblings can relate to. For me, as the youngest of three girls, I have endured my fair share of being left out by my sisters as well as being spoiled by my parents. Being the youngest sibling has its peaks and its pits. Here are 10 things we can all say we’ve experienced.
1. When you’re still a toddler, you are not welcome. Yes, the sad truth. Your older siblings have their way of playing dolls or trucks or hide-and-seek. And you, as the inexperienced and incompetent younger sibling, are not welcome to join.
2. You are often reminded that you are the last and final child. Any time you misbehave or get in trouble with your parents, you often hear them say under their breath, “this is the last one.”
3. You can often beg your way into getting what you want. Because you are the last and final child, your parents don’t have the energy to deal with the high-maintenance attitude of a little kid any more. If you stomp your feet on the ground obnoxiously and start crying because you’re not getting what you want, they’ll probably say, “screw it,” and give in.
4. Your older siblings like to gang up on you. A lot. You’re going to get the short end of the stick for the rest of your life from your older siblings. This will probably never change.
5. You are constantly smothered in hand-me-downs. This is always great -- an endless wardrobe. Except for when you want your mom to take you back-to-school shopping and she says, “Can’t you just wear what your sister wore a couple of years ago?”
6. When your siblings go to college and you’re the only one left in the house, you get all the dirty work. There is now no one else to help you fold laundry, wash the dishes, mow the lawn, or pick up the dog poop. It’s all you. Enjoy.
7. By the time you are in high school, your parents are burnt out. Your older siblings have already gotten caught sneaking out, staying out past curfew, and having people over when the ‘rents are out of town. When you get caught doing it your parents are pretty accustomed to it and don’t even care to punish you that seriously.
8. When you finally leave for college, your parents don’t know what in the world they’ll do without you. You’ve been the apple of their eye ever since the older siblings moved out. All their attention has been focused on you, and now you’re moving out, too. They really don’t know what to do with themselves after you’re gone.
9. Your parents spoil you more than your other siblings. And you love it. Your older siblings hate you for this, but it really doesn’t matter. As the youngest sibling, you’re pampered with love and affection all the time. It’s awesome.
10. After due time, you and your older siblings finally learn to appreciate each other. Even with all the bickering and disagreements over the years, you and your older siblings are finally at the age where you are mature enough to appreciate one another. It has taken some time, but it was worth the wait.
