I know, some of you first and middle born siblings clicked the link to this article and thought ‘Oh what does a last born have to complain about?” Well, let me tell you, being the youngest is a little harder than you think!
We are constantly accused of being the "favorite" and our opinions are drowned out; simply pushed aside by the older and wiser in the room. As bad as that is, it is still better than when we are patronized for our views. For what could we possibly know, seeing as we have lived for such a short amount of time? Unless you are the youngest sibling, you will never understand what it is like to have everyone treat you like a baby, regardless of your actual age and the fact that you’re probably more mature than your older siblings. Not to mention, we are always compared to our older siblings. How would you feel walking in someone else's shadow?
As the youngest in the family, I tend to believe that we work the hardest because we have been poorly represented. As a result, we have an awful reputation. It is almost as if there is a stigma attached to us. Apparently we get more freedom than our older siblings did, and our parents let us get away with all sorts of things. Some feel, that since the older children have paved the way, there is less pressure and expectations placed on the youngest child. Also, there is that nasty little rumor about how we are constantly pampered and coddled. I find myself constantly having to say: "Yes, I am the youngest child and no, I am not self centered". Therefore, for most of our lives we have to prove this view wrong. Whether it is through relationships, school, or work, us babies of the family try to make the world see that we are not handed things. If we want recognition, we have to fight for it - approximately three times as hard as everyone else.
However, I have come to realize that this becomes a natural advantage in any situation. From a young age, we learned how to fight for what we want and nobody wants to be up against the unrelenting underdog that is the youngest sibling. Sorry, big brothers and sisters of the world. Now with all of this being said, rethink the next time you make a comment about your youngest sibling. They have it harder than you think.
