I am the oldest of six kids. I never thought I would have five other siblings. When my brother was born I was five years old. I thought it was going to be my brother and I forever. My parent thought other wise. My freshman year of high school my family started fostering kids. Fostering kids is where DHS picks kids to stay at your house temporarily. The time could be short term or long term. Through the time of fostering kids we ended up adopting four kids. We were going to have to change the way we lived and learn how to become a family of eight. Being the oldest kid in a family with six kids can be challenging at times. There is always something happening, whether it be good or bad. Somebody is always needing something, someone is always sick or hurt, and someone is always making everyone laugh. Even though there can be challenges of being the oldest it is also very rewarding.
There are a lot of responsibilities that come along with being the oldest. The biggest responsibility is being a good role model. No matter what you are doing your siblings are always looking at you and taking notes. They all want to dress like you, act like you, talk like you and do what you are doing. (This can be good and bad.) In my family the kids age rage is 19 to four. With the two youngest being four they are constantly wanting to be with their sissy. If I take one little kid out with me, then the next time I want to take someone with me has to be different. They have to take turns. If I do not pick someone different, then it's a big fuss and fight.
Another responsibility that comes along with being the oldest is always being willing to do what they want. This might not seem like a responsibility, but you have to keep up with making sure you leave no one out. Whether it be taking them places, playing with them, or doing something they want to do with you. If you leave someone out from those things, then they are going to think that you do not like them. If you are the oldest, then you know that you love all your siblings, but to a four or six year old they are going to take it as you do not love them or like them. Kids are crazy sometimes, but if they are thinking those things, then we have to confront them and tell them face to face that we love them and they will be happier.
Aside from all of that responsibility, being the oldest is very rewarding. You get to see people that you are close to grow up and become little adults, you share special moments with each one of your siblings and you get the honor of being the first born, knowing that your siblings look up to you. Being the oldest keeps me going. I know that if I slip and fall, my siblings with be there to let me know what I am doing wrong and they will be there to help me. I am who I am because of my siblings.
