We can’t choose our birth order, but we can definitely reap the benefits of it. I’m the oldest of three siblings, and I love it. I couldn’t imagine our family being any other way. While I do sometimes envy my youngest brother for still being the baby of the family, I remember that first born is ultimately the most coveted title. Out of the 23 astronauts NASA first sent into space, 21 were the oldest child in their family. I’m not looking to go to outer space anytime soon, but I know my experiences as the first born gives me the expertise to share all of the reasons why being the oldest sibling is the best.
The oldest child in the family has been called on as the babysitter at least once in their life. And while this is a lot of responsibility, it’s also a lot of power. Being the babysitter instantly allowed me to tell my brothers when it was time to go to bed, and gave me full authority over the remote control. What 13 year old could ask for more?
When you’re the eldest, you always get first dibs on everything. Chances are you got that extra ticket your grandfather had to the baseball game, or always played as whatever video game character you wanted. You might have even gotten your pick at big things, like the best bedroom, before all your siblings. And for good reason, you’re the oldest! Seniority rules on the road too, as the oldest child I always sat shot gun, with my younger brothers in the back seat. The oldest sibling is also probably the first to get Dad’s old car too. Road trip anyone?
When you’re the oldest, you don’t have to live in the shadow of anybody. I secretly love when my brothers come home from school and tell me that their teachers ask if they’re related to me, but I think I would resent being in their position. Being a teenager is hard enough without having your life be compared to someone else’s 24/7. Even if it is being associated with your cool older sister (me). Younger children are always trying to fight for who they are, which can be difficult when most of your closet is made up of older siblings old clothes. First borns never have to worry about rocking hand-me-downs.
As the oldest child, you are definitely the most wise. You experience all the big moments of growing up first, and you learn a few things with age. The best part of gaining all your knowledge and wisdom is sharing it with your younger siblings. They know they can always turn to you for advice because you probably went through a similar experience when you were their ages. You can tell them what high school teachers to go to for extra credit, or show them how to make mom less angry when they (inevitably) screw up big time. Showing my brothers the ropes of life is my favorite part of being the oldest sibling. It reminds me that they look up to me, especially because they know being the oldest is the best title of the house.
