When you're the oldest child in the family, it's your job to be the boss of your siblings. According to anyone that is the first born, you are the greatest thing since sliced bread. You were the first to come into the world, the first to graduate fifth grade, and the first to move away from home. And because of this natural inclination to always be "first," you were also likely the first to get a cell phone and the first to open your presents on Christmas morning.
However, over the years you have come to realize that being the oldest means more than just being first. By growing up as the oldest sibling, you've had to take on a great deal of responsibility as well. Your parents set high expectations for you and watched to see if you would fulfill them all. They counted on you to set the path for the little ones that follow you.
But through all of the good and the bad, you learned that a few things happened to you because you are the oldest sibling...
1. You were the test-run for mom and dad's parenting skills.
Being the first child of the family, you were the so-called guinea pig for all things discipline. Your parents watched how you behaved and tried out different techniques to teach you important life lessons. Like any other skill, parenting is hard the first time around. Luckily, your parents learned from the mistakes they made with you by the time the next kid came around.
2. You became a role model.
Whether you liked it or not, your younger sibling looked up to you. Even though now they may not want to admit it, they wanted to do everything you did throughout your childhood. You were always so annoyed and frustrated that your little sister had to tag along that you did not realize that it was because she wanted to be just like you.
3. You were a taxi driver, babysitter and second mom all wrapped up into one.
By the time you were old enough to stay home alone, you became the permanent babysitter of the family. It was your responsibility to watch over your siblings until your parents came home from work each day and you did it with pride. And then when you got your license, driving your siblings to school, practice, and their friends houses' was a regular occurrence. You loved to hate the responsibility and were secretly happy to take on some real responsibility.
4. You learned how to share, and I mean really share.
Your parents taught you early on that sharing with your siblings is essential. Everyone got their fair share with a new toy or game. And then as you got older, you began to share clothes and shoes. You hated the fact that your mom allowed your sister to borrow the brand new sweater you bought, despite your opposing argument. But looking back on it now, it was silly to get so angry over those little moments when what was "yours" became something that was "theirs."
5. You realized that you were given a best friend for life.
Through the toughest times that life has thrown out there, you became closer than you ever were to the ones you used to dread spending time with. School stress, divorce and even tragedy were no match for the strength of you and your siblings. They might still be in the stage where they would prefer to hangout with their friends or boyfriends/girlfriends more than you. However, keep the faith that they will come around. Time goes on and change is inevitable, but the bond between you and your siblings is one that will withstand it all.
