Being the oldest child has its perks. It also has its downsides. Personally, I am the oldest of four kids, and although I've learned a lot, here are the five biggest lessons I've learned from being the oldest child.

1. You have an army

You've noticed it since you were little, your younger siblings do everything you do. They do this when you're little because since you're older, you're automatically wiser and cooler. When you grow up, this means they'll do anything for you, because you taught them how to do, well, everything. If anyone crosses you, they should be prepared to feel the wrath of your siblings. They are your army.

2. Life is the farthest thing from fair

In my life, one of the biggest disappointments was when I waited until 5th grade to be able to sit in the front seat of the car. I waited 11 years for that, and as soon as 5th grade came along, sure enough, my little sister, in 3rd grade, got to sit in the front seat, too. She didn't have to wait until 5th grade. (If you ask me, 3rd grade still seems too young to ride in the front seat). This trend remained true with bedtimes, PG-13 movie sand curfews. Life isn't fair. I'm still learning how to get over it.

3. You set the bar

Whatever I did, my parents (more or less) expected the same thing from my siblings. It is in being the oldest child that I've learned how to be a good role model, or how to fake it. I've learned how to set an example for my siblings, because more or less, they will do whatever you do.

4. Being the oldest means being protective

Ask my younger sister, I throw a fit when older boys hit on her. I want to scream, "I KNOW SHE LOOKS 22 BUT SHE'S ACTUALLY 18!" Same goes for my other sister and brother, any time any potential threat comes near my family I cannot stand it. I once told off an 8-year-old boy because he called my brother a mean name on the school bus. Not ashamed.

5. Love is strong

Nothing compares to the love I have for my siblings. My brother and sisters are the most important people in the world to me, and I can't see that ever changing. Despite our age differences, we come from the same blood, and we understand each other more than anyone else ever will.