If you're an older sibling like myself, you know just how rewarding it can be. Although we've all had fights and childhood disputes with our little brothers and sisters, we are still family and they will always look up to us. Something they will never understand, though, are the many pros that come along with being the oldest.
1. You were born first
It's actually proven that people who are born first have a greater chance of success and are statistically more qualified than the rest of their family. But, you already knew that you are scientifically better. Example A) Beyonce. Need I say more?
2. Knowing that you've paved a clear path for them
Chances are, you've screwed up with your parents before. Whether you disobeyed them, broke the rules, lied, whatever... you've messed up way before your younger siblings have. Thanks to you being the guinea pig, they won't have as rough of a punishment as you once had.
3. Your entire mood changes when they need your help
You're allowed to flip the crazy switch if anyone is bothering your little sibling. We're the only ones allowed to bully them. Didn't they know that?
4. Knowing certain truths about life way before they did
Everything from the secrets about where babies come from to the truth about Santa... as life-altering as it was, we knew it first.
5. Realizing that you can tell them absolutely anything and they'll still believe you
Usually innocent, but sometimes not. A classic childhood go-to: "I'll give you my entire piggy bank if you clean up my Barbies and Legos".
Siiiike.
6. Getting to be the *cool* older sister/brother according to the friends of your younger sibling
You can basically act as embarrassing as you want in front of them and they will still ask about your whereabouts every time they come to hang with your younger siblings.
7. Always having someone to blame when you were caught red-handed during childhood
It's a little mean to admit, but it's 100 percent true. Whether you were the one who broke the vase or painted the walls, your younger sibling was probably your usual scapegoat.
8. How funny it was every time they were forced to say something nice to you
At some point during our childhood, there is a good chance our parents forced our younger siblings to say something sweet to us. Whether you were getting your tonsils out, had a championship game, or it was just your birthday, whatever came out of your younger sibling's mouth was promisingly awkward and hilarious.
9. The warm "try-not-to-laugh" feeling you get when you're fighting
Most of the time, we really don't want to argue with our younger siblings. Every time my little brother is trying to fight with me, I truthfully cannot take him seriously and am hiding a smile the whole time. This usually results in the both of us cracking up, anyway.
10. Knowing that they'll come to you if they don't want to go to Mom or Dad
It's so comforting to know that our younger siblings feel secure enough to come to us with girl/boy issues, homework help, or just to complain about how annoying our parents are being. No matter what the circumstance, it always results in a great bonding session.
11. Watching them grow into real-life impressive and talented people
As weird as it is, our little siblings are growing up just like we did. It's so bittersweet being able to watch them turn into pretty cool people.
12. Having a built-in best friend
Our parents have given us a lot of gifts throughout our lives, but our younger siblings are invaluable. Ever since the day our parents brought them home, we've had a forever friend. So, thanks Mom and Dad for delivering my BFF.
