I am not the oldest sibling, but I might as well be. I am the second child, but since my older brother lives in another country I have called dibs on that role. Although about 24 hours a day, seven days a week I wish to step on my younger siblings, I could not imagine living without them annoying me. Here is a list of eight advantages of being an older sibling.
1. You experience aspects of life first.
Indeed you were born before them, but there comes an immense satisfaction from saying "I learned how to drive before you." Not to be mean or anything, but it feels great to know that your younger brothers still have a few years to wait before they take hold of the wheel, and you are already there.
2. You learn to be a role model.
Since you have more experience and knowledge, or at least you are expected to, these kids look up to you. Growing up you may not be the coolest kid on the block, but that does not matter because at home you have these people who think that you are the most awesome girl they know.
3. You learn about responsibility.
We all have responsibilities we wish we did not have, but who said all these should weigh you down? Being an older sibling is a good responsibility whether we want to acknowledge it or not. You are there to support them academically, deter them from bad behaviors and influences, and teach them social skills, as well as enhancing yours along the way, a sense of satisfaction comes from being able to accomplish this leadership role.
4. You are a superhero in their eyes.
As much of a nuisance as they may be, there is nothing you would not do to protect your younger brothers and sisters. That sense of having someone who has your back and being able to have someone's back unconditionally is irreplaceable. They know that they have someone to hide a body for them without the need of an interrogation.
5. You have a friend, a teacher, and an enemy all in one.
What more can you ask for? As odd as this sounds, a younger brother or sister does bring you mixed emotions on a daily basis. You might want to hug your sister one minute, throw your brother down the stairs another, and fight a bully for them the next. Although you are older, you learn about life from these younger individuals. As much as you are there to guide them, they are there to guide you as well. And even after a 10 second fight you still manage to be the best buds.
6. You already have a maid-of-honor or a best man at the palm of your hands.
Even if you dread marriage, it is always an option. With having a younger brother or sister, the search for a maid-of-honor or a best man is made simple for you. That role has been taken since they were born.
7. You have someone to cover for you.
Your younger sister will help you sneak out of your house and build a parental front if needed. Lying is not recommended, but maybe you were punished and you already had a set date to attend, would you ditch the cute boy?
8. You are never alone.
You may be their superhero, but these little people have demonstrated to you that you have your very own. They have never left your side and they never will.
