Siblings are a lot to handle sometimes, especially when you're the oldest sibling. You give up parties because your parents need you to babysit, when you take them to the movies you end up missing half of the movie because they have to pee in the middle of it or they need more soda or popcorn. Your job as the big sibling is to teach them and guide them through life, but somewhere along the way they end up teaching you a thing or two.

Patience

They will push you to your breaking point. They will make you want to pull your hair out and cry, but as you get older you will learn to slow down and be patient. Not only with them, but with everything you encounter in life.

Understanding

I'm convinced without younger siblings, I would never fully be understanding about things in life. The old saying "accidents happen" is normally something that I would never believe. But after my practically raising my brothers, I've learned that you can always replace materialistic things but they way you treat an accident is detrimental to their mental health.

Compassion

We look at small scrapes and cuts as something to throw a band-aid over and call it good, but to a younger sibling that is extreme pain. That is the most pain they've ever known. When they break a toy and cry that is their first heart break. Having younger siblings has taught me that every new emotion they encounter is a big deal for them. While it may be irritating and dramatic to us, it's a whole new experience for them. You need to be compassionate and caring to show them that it's just a minor setback, not a life altering experience.

Unconditional Love

The last thing having younger siblings has taught me is unconditional love. Even though we fight or argue a majority of the time, there's no one else I would rather have as my siblings. The bond that we have is forever and I'm so glad that I get to experience this crazy life with them. I love my siblings and I'm so thankful to have them.