Living at home I always thought being the oldest child was the worst thing in the entire world. My parents were both the oldest children so I pretty much thought they would understand what a terrible world I lived in but I had no luck there. It was not until I left home that I truly realized how great being the oldest sibling was and how lucky I really am.

1.You get to do things your younger siblings don't.

I do not mean big things like drive and pick your own bed time, but the little things like coming home from a month away at school and walking into the house to the excited screams of children (depending on how young they are) because they are genuinely happy to see you.

2. You get to impart wisdom.

N*SYNC and Britney Spears are not a thing of the past in my life. You can bet your bottom dollar I play old cd's in the car and my ten year old sister knows all the words to "Tearin' Up My Heart" and my little brother can recite every line of "The Little Rascals".

3. You learn responsibility.

I do not know how many times I have said the words "it is not fair" in regards to my parents spouting off something about me being the oldest, but they were right (don't tell them). I am the oldest and I get to be a role model for the best little brother and sisters in the world.

4. Eventually you become their friend.

My 18 year old sister is the closest to me in age and let me tell you something, I seriously HATED her growing up. She was the youngest and seemingly got everything she wanted and it was not fair. I left for college and all of a sudden her friends became my friends and I knew her secrets and she knew mine. She became a best friend in every sense of the word (do not tell my parents that either).

5. It's one of the most rewarding things in life.

Nothing compares to the feeling you get when a 5 year old tells you that she did not get in trouble at school today and asks if your proud. No matter what you do in life or how crappy you feel they are always there to make you feel better.