Of course every parent loves their children equally, but that doesn’t mean each child has the same experience growing up. There is no doubt that each sibling feels like they have had it harder than the others or that parents play favorites, but as the youngest of three children, I can definitively say that each child is just inevitably different.
My siblings are absolutely awesome people. I look up to them and love them, even if we don’t get along every minute of every day. It's no question that without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Having older siblings is like having another set of parents who always want the best for you. As much as you look up to them, they are proud of you and excited to see the person you grow up to be. That being said, I feel so lucky to have had the childhood that I have had. I wouldn’t trade being “the baby” of the family for anything in the world. Here’s why:
As the youngest, you are somewhat of a wallflower, patiently waiting for your time to start growing up. You see your siblings entering middle school and then high school and then college and wonder what it all will actually be like when you get to be that age. It’s almost like you have a sneak peek of what the future has to hold, so you can slightly prepare and pursue life with confidence.
Not everything you see, though, is pleasant. It’s hard watching your best friends struggle with impediments that may get them down or arduous situations they may be placed in. But it is almost like their mistakes are our own. That doesn't mean that we cannot encounter personal situations that can help us grow individually; it just means we have more learning opportunities to grow from if we choose to take them.
That being said, we constantly have to prove that we are not naive, inexperienced children who know nothing about the world. There comes a point where we have to show our siblings, and presumably other family members, that we are freethinking adults with our own opinions and individuality.
That individuality isn't the easiest to come by. We are constantly being compared to the siblings that came before us. That not only means being called by our last name every day until someone finally learns our first name, but it also forces us to find who we truly are. We are the end to a sibling legacy and the impression that we make will be what people remember. Naturally, we are held to higher standards because of that impression we leave behind.
At this point in my life, I am proud of who I have become. I am lucky to have had the upbringing that I did, and I am excited to keep flourishing. I have to thank my siblings and my parents for allowing me to grow into the person I am today. I would be nothing without them, I am everything I could ever want to be in this very moment in time.
