The typical nuclear family, mother, father, two girls, and a boy. A couple animals here and there. Growing up in a suburban neighborhood in Boca Raton. The lessons in having siblings are immense, but these are important.

Note: It is not all bad. But it is not for the weak.

1. Nothing of yours is safe.

Hide your money, your clothes, your hair brush, and razors. Siblings are aggressive and take anything and everything they want. You are the youngest, so you have to be extra careful not to get hurt.

2. Your parents have already gone through a couple kids, they mean business at this point. No means no, and they’ve already been through all the tricks.

At this point, your parents are done with the shenanigans. They already disciplined two kids and you’re the last. That means it doesn’t matter how many times you beg on your hands and knees you don’t need that new iPhone, you can have your sister’s old one.

3. If you want to sneak out, you’re sneaking out past four people instead of two.

Trust me, second story sneak outs don’t work. They’ll find your footprint on the inside of the kitchen sink if you try that window. Don’t forget the dog barks once you hit the bottom of the steps. Guess that means you’re staying in tonight.

4. You don’t get special privileges for being the baby.

If you get your finger slammed in the door you probably deserved it because you were annoying.

5. You won’t always have a support group for games.

Or graduation. Or anything for that matter. Because there is always something else that trumps your events. Even though you spent your entire childhood being dragged to their events.

6. Just because they got something at whatever age doesn’t mean you do.

Because they had a 3.0 GPA and you have a 2.7 GPA. They get a car. You don’t. Deal with it.

7. Having an older brother changes a standard for you.

Why is his curfew later than mine? Because he’s a guy. It doesn’t matter.

8. Empty Nest Syndrome

When you try leaving the house, you will get harassed. No doubt. First one gone? It’s kind of quiet. Second gone? Well, he’s spreading his wings! Third? Nope, that’s too many, come back.

9. You’re never actually sick, you’re faking it because your siblings did too.

Doesn’t matter if you’re sick for 6 months straight or broke a foot. You have to be faking it because that’s what they did to not have to go to school, work, church, or whatever mom has planned this week.

10. Shotgun is a deadly game.

Have you ever been picked up and thrown out of a car? Because that’s what happens when your brother is 6’4” and you’re 5’6”

11. You always have someone to call and complain to.

Yes, having siblings is rough. Yes, you get chased around the house with one of them holding a lighter pretending to light your hair on fire. But who else would sneak you out to ‘R’ rated movies and proofread your homework for you? Although they can be a huge pain in the ass, they also do love you for you. They literally can’t trade you so they learn to love you.