Many people say that being the first-born comes without many perks. For instance, the older sibling is often referred to as the "guinea pig." Usually, the oldest child has it the hardest because first-time parents are always more strict with their first child than with their second and so on. When younger siblings come around, parents are no longer novices and are usually more laid-back, making life easier on the younger children. However, with all that being said, I personally think that being the first born does indeed have its perks. There are so many things that make being the oldest sibling the best!
From personal experience, here is why being the older sibling is actually one of my favorite parts of being a sister.
1. The "I'm Older" Card
There are plenty of situations where you know you can get your way if you just argue that you're older. Whether it's calling shotgun, having the last slice of cake, or controlling the remote while watching T.V, you're older, therefore you get what you want. Even if you don't think it will work, it usually pays off. It beats watching your younger sibling eat that last slice of cake that you deserve!
2. Driving First
While your younger sibling still has to ask Mom or Dad to drive them wherever they want to go, you can show off your drivers license and rub it in their face that you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. You can go out with your friends first, go on dates first, and just enjoy going places alone before your younger sibling can.
3. Someone To Pick On
Even though you love your younger sibling to death, it's always fun to pick on them, make fun of them, and annoy them. Nothing beats poking them, throwing things at them and teasing them, especially when you're bored. It's not that you don't love them, but sometimes you just need to make yourself laugh.
4. Someone To Blame
A lot of weight can be put on the shoulders of the first born, so when you have a younger sibling, having someone else to blame for something that goes wrong can always get you out of trouble. It's almost instinctual to say "it wasn't me!", especially when there's a younger sibling in the household.
5. Giving Advice
When you're the older sibling, you experience everything first, therefore, you have more knowledge than your younger sibling. This means that no matter the obstacle your sibling faces, you will always be there to help them through it and give them advice because you've already been there yourself. You care about them and you don't want them to have to go through the hard obstacles in life alone. You're always going to be there for them.
While being the older sibling can be hard at times, it definitely pays off to be the more experienced child when it comes to dealing with parents among other things. Many older kids know how to "get away with murder" in comparison to their younger siblings. However, whether or not the oldest child uses his or her powers for good or evil, what really matters is having someone to share both the good and bad times with. Siblings are for life!
