Yes, we may be seen as the innocent little angels of the family. And yes, we may receive a boat load of attention. However, the life of the youngest sibling is no stroll through the park. No, the daily life of the youngest child is a long ride on the struggle bus. Here are just a few of the problems we face as the baby of the family:
1. Hand-me-downs
From T-shirts to Tamagotchis, nothing we own is brand-new by any means. We must accustom ourselves to clothes that are so five years ago. Because that’s exactly when they were bought. On the plus side, all of our shoes are already broken in!
2. We're brought along for the ride. Every. Time.
Basketball game? Dance recital? You name it, we’ve seen it. We have spent more time in the car than any other place simply because our parents had no idea what else to do with us.
3. "You look just like _____!"
Well, that’s very nice and all to be compared to my siblings, but can’t I just look like myself?
4. Teachers recognize us by the last name.
Being that I am the youngest in a family of four kids, there are three generations that came before me. That means they have been through the same teachers, the same classes, and they have left some sort of impression on the school — either good or bad. We're left to figure out which one it was.
5. We missed out on a lot because of bedtime.
There was nothing worse than being sent to bed before everyone else. After several desperate attempts, we were always scared away by the countdown. You know exactly what I’m talking about. “You have until the count of three! One…Two…” I have yet to find out what happens after three. If someone lives to find out, let me know.
6. Dating is a rarity
We don’t dare think about bringing home a boy or girl for the family to meet. It's not even a thought we consider. I mean, let’s be real, older siblings make it their mission to scare away any boyfriend or girlfriend.
7. Our parents never get our name right on the first try.
Honestly, we answer to anything at this point. Even the dog’s name.
8. Seniority is basically the worst thing known to man.
Whether it’s deciding who gets to be player one in Mario Kart or who gets to ride shotgun, seniority rule is complete BS. We, youngest siblings, get the short end of the stick every time because of this ruling. It’s almost as unfair as “because I said so.”
9. When we're sick, our parents don't exactly stress over it.
They’ve seen it all — bruises, fevers, broken bones. By the time the youngest kid comes down with something, the solution is always the same: “Just go take some Advil.” I like to call it the Youngest Child Treatment. I could need life saving surgery and wouldn’t know it because of how downplayed injuries have been my whole life.
10. We're told on the daily that we're adopted or a mistake.
C’mon guys, come up with some new material.
11. We'll always be the baby
I’m in college and still find myself at the kids' table for every holiday. No matter our age, we'll always be looked down upon as the baby. But despite the torturous years we’ve been through, we know our siblings have our back and they always will.
