Growing up with a sibling means learning to share, exchanging secrets, and a fair share of fighting. While you and your siblings probably have a love-hate relationship, you still wouldn't trade them for the world. As an older sister to a younger brother, I often find yourself striving to be a role model for him. You've probably felt the same way. You want to cheer him on as he grows into the man that he's meant to become. One day, after you've taught him all you know, he might even teach you a few things.

Here's a list of 11 perks of growing up with a little brother:

1. You can watch him do all of the things you never got to do.

While this is sometimes a perk, it can also be extremely annoying. When I was younger, I wanted to play co-ed flag football, but my parents thought I was too small. I still got to enjoy watching his games and playing on the swing set when I got bored.

2. You'll always be a cheerleader.

Whether it's sports, academics, or just hobbies, you can always cheer him on. You'll always have a role that nobody else can fill. I loved watching my little brother play baseball and basketball when he was younger —

sports that I couldn't play to save my life. Now that we are older, it's special when I come home from school and get to watch him play, too.

3. You can relive your elementary school days.

Don't tell me I'm the only one that used to tag along to Open House just to see if any of my old teachers were there. As they grow up and enter middle school and high school, you can help them with their schedule and tell them what to expect from your previous experiences, too.

4. He will help you become more responsible.

The first time I was allowed to babysit my little brother by myself, I was so excited. I was just a tween and my parents were only going to the grocery store, but it was a huge deal to me. As we continued to grow up, I always wanted to make sure that my behavior could serve as a model for him.

5. He will make you thankful that you're a girl.

Watching your little brother go through puberty will make you happy that you never had to deal with voice cracks. You'll also realize how gross boys can be when you live together.

6. You will always have someone you can vent to.

Regardless of if he wants you to or not, you live together so it's hard for him to escape if you need someone to talk to —

especially if he can't drive. His advice might not be relevant whatsoever, but it's still nice to know he cares.

7. He can still do some "sister" things.

I always ask my little brother to zip up my dresses or tell me if my outfit looks good. It's not quite the same as a girl's opinion, but it's better than nothing.

8. When he gets big enough, he can do the harder chores.

It's not that I can't do them, but I like that I don't have the do the chores that require manual labor—

like hauling our trash cans up and down our long driveway.

9. He will remind you how old you are.

My little brother and I are only 4 years apart, but it sometimes seems like decades. He might make you feel old sometimes when you don't know what he's talking about—

not that it matters because only middle schoolers know. However, you'll be happy your past those awkward phases of your life.

10. He will protect you.

He will always want to keep you safe. One day, he will be bigger than you and actually be able to do this.

11. You'll always have a built-in best friend.

You won't share a bond with anyone else like the one you have with your little brother.