When you’re the oldest child in your family there are several things you start to realize about your role in the family. Whether good or bad, you realize being the oldest child means that things are going to be different for you compared to your other siblings. However, if you're the oldest child you just have to embrace your role and make the most of it.
1. You’re expected to be the leader.
No matter if you’re the oldest of two or seven, you are expected to lead the group. You’re the one who has to be in charge when mom and dad are not around. The responsibility of making sure no one gets into trouble falls on you. You often get blamed for the bad behavior of the group because you should have known better as the eldest.
2. Your younger siblings will get to do everything before you do.
If you got to sit in the front seat when you were 10, then your younger siblings will get to when they’re eight. If you had to wait to watch PG-13 movies until you were actually 13, your younger siblings get to watch them way before they're 13. Parents definitely get more lenient as they have more kids. You’re never surprised when your younger brothers and sisters do things you would have never dreamed of doing at their age.
3. You set the standards.
This can be good or bad depending on how you use it. If you’re too perfect in your grades, behavior and overall attitude then your younger siblings despise you as they get compared to your achievements. However, if you’re constantly getting into trouble your parents are absolutely relieved when the next child is way tamer than you are.
4. At times you become the third parent.
As you get older, your parents will come to you for advice on what to do when your younger sibling is doing something that they shouldn't. They’ll also recruit you to spy on your younger siblings’ drama. You may not always rat them out, but it can prove to be an advantage sometimes.
5. You have tons of embarrassing stories from when they were little.
If you were old enough when your younger siblings were born, you remember all the ridiculous things they did and often have the pictures and videos to prove it. Whenever they get older, you can use the stories to embarrass them in front of their boyfriends or girlfriends.
6. You’ll always be there to give advice.
Often your younger siblings need advice, but they’re too scared to tell your parents because they are afraid they’ll get in trouble.This is when they turn to you. However, its not something you mind because you wish you had an older sibling to talk to.
7. You’re overprotective.
If someone is making fun of your younger brother or sister, you never hesitate to stand up for them. Bullying your younger siblings is only in your job description. No one else gets to mess with them.
Overall, being the oldest child puts a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, but you wouldn’t trade it for anything. You end up being the leader of this awesome group that you love. You take pride in your younger siblings' accomplishments and share in their struggles.
