Having a sibling of any age difference can always be a challenge, but I was an only child in my house for the first 12 years of my life. My little brother was born the summer before my 7th-grade year and it was quite the adjustment. When he was born, I was a little excited, but as he got older I was a lot less excited. Nine-and-a-half years later, I guess I kind of like him. I'm just kidding, I love having him around and can't even imagine not having a younger brother.
Every set of siblings has that story of the family road trip where Mom and Dad almost left both of you on the side of the road. Here's to all of those people out there who have siblings who are 10 plus years younger than they are. Whether there are siblings in between or just the two of you, there are just certain things you know to be true.
If your sibling is 10+ years younger, you have probably had these 23 thoughts:
1. Just when you thought your parents were out to ruin your life (age 12-14), they announce that you are getting a sibling.
2. But it turns out that being an older sibling isn't so terrible, some days.
3. But you could also deal without those looks you get when you take your younger sibling anywhere in public, without your parents around.
4. "YES EVERYONE! I had him when I was 12!! NOOO!"
5. But sometimes, you feel like you are an extra parent since you are so much older.
6. Your parents also got lucky and never really needed to hire a babysitter and sometimes they even paid you for doing it.
7. Since you went off to college, your sibling is an only child at home and definitely acts like one too.
8. But you got to be an only child for 12 years, so it's fair right?
9. Sometimes, they are cute and countdown the days until you come home from college for Christmas Break.
10. Other times you question how you two are even related.
11. "I was NEVER like that" when I was that age has came to mind at least a few times.
12. You think they are super weird, but then you also remember doing the exact same things when you were that age.
13. "Was I that weird?"
14. But you definitely didn't get away with everything that they do when you were that age.
15. Also, what did they do to get Mom and Dad to buy them a cell phone/tablet/computer WAYYY before they ever thought about getting you one.
16. But technology also included dial-up and home phones when you were that age, so I guess it's kind of fair.
17. When you do finally come home from college, there is always competition for mom and dad's attention.
18. They make the perfect dates for movies that you wouldn't want to be seen going to. Can anyone say movie date to the new Incredible's movie next Summer!
19. Sometimes, when mom and dad aren't around, they are kind of cool to be around.
20. You even kind of admire some of the things that they do differently than you did.
21. You can't wait til they get old enough to call you for advice or help with something.
22. Just wait til they are old enough to date and they need relationship advice.
23. Gosh, being an older sibling can be pretty great.
Having a sibling can be rough no matter the age, but when they are 10 or more years younger than you it's an different story. The relationship is a little weird and people have mistaken you as their parent multiple times, but I wouldn't trade the days together for the world. The summer dates at the pool and winter nights of dinner and movies while Mom and Dad go out. But you would never let Mom and Dad know that you actually kind of like your sibling.
