What is the definition of a "golden child"?
Urban Dictionary defines it as: "A person amongst a populace who everyone seems to love no matter what. The admiration for this person spans multiple factions amongst this populace, including those who normally do not agree on anything otherwise."
Most families have a designated golden child, but they don't have one on purpose. It sort of just happens. This kid does what they're supposed to do and tries his or her best at anything they do because it's just how they are. This is the child that sets the bar for their siblings. Most of the time it's the oldest because the oldest has to experience everything first and set an example for their younger siblings, be it good or bad. Movies and TV shows always portray the point of view of the youngest and how it's so hard to live up to their older brother's or sister's lives. The writers never try to explain the older sibling's side of the story.
In my family, my brother has labelled me "The Golden Child." I'm the oldest and have always had good grades, good behavior and blah, blah, blah. I hated that title from the moment he said it. I know I'm not perfect and so do my parents. But according to my younger brother, I can do no wrong and my parents treat me better than they treat him. The accuracy of that statement is about 0 percent.
What younger siblings don't realize is that we took the brunt of all the punishment from our parents. Back in the days of elementary school, parents held the oldest accountable for the actions of their brothers and sisters because "you should know better and be mindful of your siblings." It's the classic story of trying to look out for your brother or sister and taking the heat because you can handle it and they can't. The number of times my brother has gotten away with things because I took the blame or he placed the blame on me is astounding, and yet he doesn't understand it. He was too young to understand it then. But now that he's older, I've tried to explain all of this and he just laughs. Well, guess what, it's not going to be this funny when your big sister isn't there to be your scapegoat.
If you find yourself labelled as "The Golden Child," just embrace it. The reason you've been given this title is because of all the hard work you've put into everything you do. I know I work hard so I can show my parents that I appreciate all that they have given me. I hate when my brother calls me this name, but I might as well agree and save myself from an argument. Older siblings do so much for their brothers and sisters, and it's time for the young ones to give some credit instead of devaluing what the older ones have done.
