Being the oldest child in the family has its pros and its cons. I, personally, have grown up loving being the oldest of three. I've felt like a leader and in some ways, a teacher to my brother and sister over the years. I've shown them what I've learned and picked up along the way so far, giving them tips and insight on what the world is really like. Which, we all know, can be a dark and scary place one day, and sunshine and rainbows the next.
1. Pro: Everything with mom and dad is a first.
Although I'm not my parents' only child, I was their first baby. I was the first person they taught how to walk, talk, and the first person they fixated on. 100 percent of their attention was on me 24 hours of the day which means there are hours of baby videos and millions of pictures of my "first" everything.
2. Con: Everything with mom and dad is a first...
It's not always fun and games when it comes to firsts. Being the oldest child entails being the first one your parents have to let go of. Getting dropped off at a party requires meeting the "chaperone" first and terrible curfews are set. It's hard to remind ourselves that this is all out of love...
3. Pro: You're allowed to do "adult" things sooner than your siblings.
4. Con: Your siblings don't have to wait as long for certain things as you did...
Karma eventually gets to the oldest later on when they realize the youngest child got a cell phone three years younger than they did. I'm still so bitter about this!
5. Pro: You get to set an example.
More than likely, whether it be at age five or fifteen, your siblings will look up to you for guidance. This can be a huge responsibility, but a blessing too. There's nothing better than giving words of wisdom to those who need it and value it most.
Although there are definitely good and bad sides to being the oldest child, over all it's pretty great. It takes a great leader to help the others navigate through life. You're the one who makes sure your siblings aren't getting picked on, aren't late for school, and don't date the wrong people. You are their number one fan on the sidelines and their shoulder to cry on when they are down. You make sure they stay out of trouble, but still know how to have fun. Most importantly, you love them no matter what. That's what older siblings are best at.
