Growing up with two older brothers I was the "baby" of the family. When my one brother was younger all he used to say was "I want a baby sister." Well seven years later he finally got his wish and I was born. At that time he couldn't have been more excited that he was going to have a baby sister, meanwhile my other brother was crying and throwing a temper tantrum because that meant that I was going to get his room and he was going to have to share one with my brother. Sure I was probably that "annoying little sister" sometimes (or most of the time), but I have to admit I spent most of my childhood looking up to my older siblings hoping one day I'd be as smart or as talented as they are. Being the youngest in my family has its advantages and disadvantages, but in the end, I wouldn't want it any other way.
Here's what it's like being the "baby" of the family:
1. You get in a lot less trouble about things than your siblings would have.
By now your parents are exhausted from raising your older siblings and at this point you can get away with anything. Your sibling got in trouble for skipping school? They wouldn't be able to leave their room for months, but you? Maybe they'll take your phone away for an hour or so.
2. Being sneaky never worked.
Your parents know all the tricks in the book by now. There's no sneaking out at night when you're grounded or saying you're going one place and then end up going another, your parents can easily out smart you. (I was out smarted by my parents multiple times, even when I thought I had a believable lie about where I was going.)
3. You have the best protectors.
If anyone ever gives you a hard time or tries to mess with you, they always have your back, and if a boy ever breaks your heart, you know he's dead meat.
4. You're always trying to live up to high standards.
You are forever trying to live up to high standards and expectations that your siblings set. At school you're always referred to as *insert name of sibling*'s sibling by the other students and that one teacher you and your sibling both had would always talk about how great your sibling is.
You've also probably heard this from your new teachers at the beginning of every school year: "Wait there's another one of you?"
5. You get lonely at times.
I know what you're thinking. How can you get lonely when you have older siblings? But when your older siblings go away to college or finally move out of the house, you start to feel like an only child.
But then again the first question that's probably on your mind is "Can I have their old room?"
6. You have the best support system.
Your older siblings are always there for you when you need them or if you get in trouble.
Lets be honest they're the best at calming down your mom and dad when they're mad at you. When I got in trouble at college the first thing I did was call my brother to see if he could clam my parents down so that they would be less mad at me. (It worked)
7. You're always falling for your siblings tricks and pranks.
My brothers always hide behind things and then jump out and scare the hell out of me. Even if I knew it was coming, for some reason I'm still always terrified.
8. Your parents are much more lenient.
My brothers weren't allowed to get a cell phone until high school but I ended up getting one at my fifth grade graduation.
My mom also used to refuse to let my brother sleep at his friends houses when he was younger, meanwhile sleepover at my best friends house basically every weekend.
If one of my older siblings missed their curfew world war 3 started, but I don't even think I had a curfew?
9. The three dreaded words: hand-me-downs.
You always get stuck with all of your older siblings clothes and shoes that don't fit them anymore. When your brother or sister grows out of something you automatically know you're going to get it.
10. You always had people to play with when you were younger.
Riding bikes, playing man hunt, or just watching TV, you could always count on your older siblings to hang out with you.
11. You have the best role models.
Be honest, as much as you may hate to admit it, you idolize your older siblings.
12. You have your own personal chauffeur.
Before you got your license or permit, your older siblings were always your ride everywhere. It's like you have your own personal chauffeur bringing you and your friends to and from the mall or Applebee's.
Thanks for everything John and Robbie, I love you both.
