Well, I'm assuming that since you opened this article chances are.. you're the oldest sibling. So, I'd like to take the time to welcome you to the club that I'd like to call "this isn't fair." Welcome!! Now, unless you're a wizard, or have magic powers or something, you probably (just like myself) did NOT pick to be the oldest. If by chance you're reading this and you're not the oldest.. here's what it's like.
1. You are the guinea pig child.
By this I mean, you have tried every sport, food, activity, etc. under the sun.
2. Your parents are most strict with you.
You didn't get to watch a PG-13 movie until you were actually 13, but your younger siblings are 10 and it's okay.
3. You have to set the example for your younger siblings.
When I got in trouble it was twice as bad as my sister and it’s a lot of pressure.
4. Being protective over them even though you can’t help it.
You don’t WANT to be overprotective of them, but you just can’t help yourself.
5. Santa, the Easter bunny, the tooth fairy..
Keeping it a secret was torture, and when you got mad at them you wanted to scream “OH YEAH? WELL (insert fictional person here) ISN’T EVEN REAL. SO HA!”
6. They get things younger than you did.
Oh you got your cell phone at 14? Okay, your sister can have one when she turns 6. (Okay maybe I’m exaggerating a little -- but it sure felt like it).
7. You’re supposed to "know better than that."
Whenever you got in trouble that was the FIRST thing your parents said to you.
8. You’re the free babysitter.
All of the work, none of the pay.
9. Being the oldest makes you "bossy."
Everything you do comes across as being bossy or trying to be in charge, even when you really aren’t!
10. BUT, you can convince them to listen to you (for a little while).
If I told you some of the stuff I convinced my siblings of, you wouldn’t even believe me.
11. They come to you for advice when they stop being "too cool."
This time, they actually do care what you have to say
12. They still probably won’t listen though.
It’s okay, it’s the thought that counts.
13. Everything is your fault.
No explanation needed.
14. You're the tutor.
You're expected to remember everything you learned just to help them with homework.
15. You'll always be torn between being the cool older sibling or the responsible one.
Let them brag to your friends about you or get in trouble by your parents? The world may never know.
16. You'll probably feel left out.
They'll be so close, you feel like an outsider.
17. And, it’s bittersweet when they grow up.
It’s nice to know you had a LITTLE part in who they are.
