Being the oldest child definitely has its perks...and its downsides. Go through this list and see if you can relate to any, which if you're the oldest, you most definitely will.

1. The expectations your parents set for you are higher than any of your other siblings.

You’re the first born, which means your parents are probably expecting you to be the best example you can be for the rest of your brothers and sisters. This requires you to always make sure your grades are the highest they can be, no getting in trouble in school, participating in all the extracurriculars your parents involve you in, and basically be the golden child so your siblings can follow in your footsteps.

2. Parents are a lot stricter with you than with your other siblings.

You had a much earlier curfew than the rest of your siblings. You also weren’t allowed to watch certain movies until you were of age, and don’t even mention dating because the rules for that were enforced with a stern "no" and there was no rebutting it.

3. Knowing that, more often than not, your younger sibling can get away with a lot more things than you can.

Because you’re the oldest and the leader of the clan, your parents always have an eye on you, so trying to get away with something is like trying to find the Bermuda Triangle — pretty much impossible.

4. Your hand-me-downs are sacred and passed down at least twice between your siblings.

Don’t be surprised if one day you walk into your closet and find a good portion of your clothes gone. Also, don’t be surprised either when you see your sister or brother wearing your favorite shirt or your favorite pair of jeans because according to your mother “you never wear it anymore so, let your sister have it.”

5. Being the oldest means that your parents will forever have a live-in babysitter for when they go out.

Forget about making plans for Friday night, your parents have a dinner they need to go to which means that you will be stuck at home taking care of your siblings. You were left in charge and when you tried telling that to your siblings they’ll most likely stick their tongue out at you and run and hide.

6. Always being called “bossy” because of your tendency to take charge and be responsible.

It’s not your fault you were born first therefore, giving you the authority to occasionally remind your siblings to pick up after themselves and to quit fighting with each other. And okay, yes, you are also guilty of bossing your siblings around and making them do things for you, like chores, but it’s all with good intentions.

7. If and when you did get in trouble, your punishment would be a lot more severe than any of your siblings’.

Because you’re the oldest, you should know what’s wrong and what’s right, “you should know better” is the phrase your parents use when you get caught doing something you’re not supposed to. Coming home 15mins after curfew? Grounded for a month. Your younger brother punches your other brother? Dad tells him not to do it again. Completely unfair.

8. Your siblings copy your every single move.

The way you dress, the way you speak, the places you hang out, anything you can think of, your siblings will most likely copy you. This means that they’ll also want to be cheer captain, soccer manager, student council secretary, etc. This also means that if you try to disobey your parents or get away with something, your siblings will try to do that too and that won’t end well for anyone.

9. You will get the blame for everything.

The cookie jar being empty? Your fault. That stain on the carpet? Your fault. The dog escaping from the backyard? Most definitely your fault. Any mischief your siblings cause? Always your fault.

10. Being the oldest means you go through all the milestones in life first.

First broken bone, first kiss, first heartbreak, first A+ (and F), etc. You have already gone through everything so of course you are your siblings’ go-to person whenever they go through their first whatever it may be. You are there to tell them about your experience and hopefully pass along some wisdom.

11. You are older therefore; you automatically hold all the answers and words of advice according to your siblings.

The older you get, the wiser you become or so the saying goes. If your siblings ever need help with their homework they always come to you to help them out. If they’re having trouble with friends or boys/girls at school, you will be there to offer some advice on how to deal with their issues.

12. You are your siblings’ biggest cheerleader.

You may cheer on your siblings a little bit more than your parents because no matter how annoying they may be, you want them to succeed. At their ballet recitals you are hoping your sibling nails every turn and leap like a professional. At your brother’s spelling bee you are spelling every word along with him and clap like a madman when he spells each word correctly. Their achievements are your achievements because somewhere along the way you helped them get there.

13. Being the oldest means being way overprotective of your younger brother or sister.

You mess with them and you mess with me. No one (except you, of course) is allowed to make fun or even look at your siblings the wrong way. If they do, then they’re going to have to deal with the wrath of fury that you will surely show because that is your younger sibling and no one is going to mess with them under your watch.

14. Once you get your license, you’ll become your younger sibling’s personal chauffeur.

Being the oldest comes with a lot of responsibility and one of those responsibilities is apparently getting your license and then having to take and pick up your siblings from school along with all the other places they convince you of taking them to. You are also the first one they’ll ask whenever they need a ride to a friend’s house or to the mall.

15. Your siblings will call you first if they get themselves in trouble.

Of course they’re going to call their cool older sibling to help them out because they want to avoid mom and dad finding out about their mischief at all costs. Being the good older sibling that you are, you will always be their to rescue them and to help them hide it from your parents…until they find out because let’s be real, parents find out everything.

16. Sharing is no longer a foreign concept to you.

You share pretty much everything with your siblings. Food, clothes, rooms, shoes, anything that you can share you have and you will, even if you want to or not. This is why you are always so willing to share the last slice of pie with someone because after years and years of practice, sharing has become second nature to you.

17. Your siblings are your built-in/life long friends and you can pretty much make them hang out with you whenever you want.

Having siblings means that you will forever have someone to hang out with if you’re bored. Even if they think you’re lame, it doesn’t matter because you can basically force them to hang out with you and they can’t say no because they have to listen to their elders.

18. You can make your siblings believe pretty much anything.

This can be both good and bad because if your parents find out you made your brother believe the boogeyman lives in his closet then that certainly can’t end well. However, making them believe the moon is made out of cheese is worth a couple of giggles, right?

19. Your love for them beats the love you had for that boy band when you were a preteen.

Yes, they’re annoying as can be but deep down you love them unconditionally. You love the little dance they do when they hear your favorite song and you especially love when they can tell you’re having a bad day and come over and hug you with all their might. It’s the little things they do that make you love them more than you ever thought you could love someone else.

20. You know that no matter what your siblings will always be there for you and you will always be there for them too.

Your siblings know they can count on you for anything and everything and same goes for them with you. You are related by blood but friends by choice and the bond you share with them is unbreakable.