As the oldest child, since day one I have taken it upon myself to be your third parent, my dear younger siblings. Whether you like it or not, there will always be that overprotective part of me that turns from friend and mischief-making accomplice to pseudo-parent in the blink of an eye. That being said, like usual I have more than a few things I would like to ramble on and on about while pretending that you’re actually listening.
Yes, I do know best.
It’s quite simple, I got the years on you. Please listen to the older sibling wisdom I try to impart on you. I’ve been there before. I’ve dealt with that teacher or been in trouble for that thing. And guess what? I’m here today! I lived to tell the tale! I’m not always trying to convince you that you should like country music or attempting to teach you my school’s fight song. Take out those ear buds and humor me. I like to be helpful and play the mentor.
Mom and dad were stricter back in my day.
This is no joke. No way was I allowed to stay out as late as the two of you get to. And let me tell you, I did not just get to take the kid car whenever I pleased. Also, since when do you get to have phones out at the table when we’re at restaurant?
Speaking of strictness, the rules to the game are different for you.
This is no joke. When did I get a smart phone and when did you get a smart phone? Or how about where was the car right when I turned 16? Let’s not even get me started on how completely they seem to trust you…
You’re welcome for always being the first.
Seriously. I’m the guinea pig. The trial round. By the time you guys roll around to pivotal life moments, the parental units have perfected the art of handling the task at hand. Do you know how terrifying it is to tell your parents for the first time that yes, you are dating someone and yes, you are old enough and yes, their parents are home? I’d already had my fair share of unfortunate high school boyfriends who struck out with the ‘rents before you two even started the dating game.
You’ll always be my lil' ones.
Even when we’re old and wrinkly there will be a part of me that still sees you as that cute little toddler with the biggest dimples and brightest eyes. It’s nothing personal, it’s just my nostalgic older sibling nature. You never seem old enough to do things. Can you really both drive? Are you sure you should be researching colleges and taking the SAT? I’d prefer it if you went back to playing with Rescue Heroes and catching bumblebees in the backyard.
Before you put your headphones back on and roll your eyes, let me end with this: remember, I will always love you, I will always mother you (although you may view it more as “smother” if we’re being honest here), and I will always be there for you. You are my babies. And as every good older sibling knows, no one messes with your babies.
XOXO,
Big Sis
