Having older siblings comes with perks, but there are also some downsides. Regardless of how many times I have wished my older brother or sister would disappear, having an older sibling has been very helpful and has taught me many things in life.
For those of you who have an older sibling, you know just how annoying they can be. Being told what to do by your parents is annoying enough. When you add older siblings into the picture, it becomes even worse. There is no escaping the parenting, because you are constantly being told what to do by either your parents or your siblings. You get twice the lectures, twice the scolding, and twice the life lessons.
If you have an older brother or sister, know that they care about you. There is no doubting that. However, sometimes that caring nature can come off the wrong way. You might not appreciate them caring for you when they bust into your classroom to yell at the teacher who gave you a 60 on your paper. You probably get frustrated when they fuss at you for one of the many things you have done wrong, but remember that it is all done out of love.
Everything isn't bad about older siblings. When a brother or sister is older than you, it also (sometimes) means that they are wiser. Older siblings can teach you many valuable lessons about the real world. Without the help of my brother and sister, I would have shown up on the first day of high school being completely lost, I would have never known how to convince my parents to say "yes," and I probably wouldn't have gotten into college because I wouldn't even have known to fill out college applications.
In addition to teaching you how to survive in the real world, older siblings always have your back. They will cover for you if you sneak out, help you with your homework, and beat up that jerk who broke your heart. Even if they do rat you out to your parents occasionally, it is usually with their best intentions.
Older siblings also serve as the punching bag for your parents. If you and your sibling(s) get in trouble for doing something together, the older one always has to take the blame. The older sibling is supposed to be the smart one who is in charge, so, as the little sister or brother, you usually get off the hook.
Also, you get to do things earlier in life than your older siblings did. As parents get used to raising kids, they usually become less strict. That means that, as the younger sibling, you get to spend the night out more often, go to PG-13 movies sooner, and stay out later. You might face some resentment from your older siblings because of this, but don't worry, they are just jealous of your privileged lifestyle.
At times my older siblings can be the people I hate the most, but they also are the people I am thankful for the most. I love my older brother and my older sister with all of my heart. They are my role models. Older siblings make life 10 times better. They are always there for you when things get tough, and they will always love you, no matter what.
