I am the oldest sibling out of six kids. It's not that simple, since I have one biological sister, one half-brother, and four step-siblings. Regardless, I love them all the same! The complexity of different families coming together to make one new huge one has been a challenge, but I am grateful that I have had all these additional brothers and sisters to grow up with. This undying love puts a lot of stress on me due to the fact that I am the oldest and therefore have special responsibilities compared to the rest of them. Here are some realities of being the oldest sibling.
1. You have to set a good example
"Well, Taylor did this and Taylor did that so why am I in trouble?!" I get blamed for everything when I was a saint. Good grades, involved in school, only broke the law a minimal amount of times... my sisters are the ones who really kept me in check and motivated me to be successful so that they would do the same and shut up.
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2. You can't punch anyone in the face as hard as they can punch you in the face.
Being 16 years older than my 5-year-old brother, I have to let him punch me in the face and I can't punch him back because that would be immature of me. My sisters, on the other hand, I would give them a little slap but nothing compared to the damage on my end.
3. You are mom's assistant.
If you are the oldest, you are also "assistant mother." Lots of babysitting, driving people to random sporting events and helping all your younger siblings with their homework. Getting a car was mostly to drive the other kids around. I am an expert babysitter at this point, ranging in age specialties from infant to 17 years old.
4. You are either the favorite or the least favorite.
If you accomplish something, you become the star of the show. If you mess up, you become the outcast devil child that is going to ruin the futures of your other siblings.
5. You have to buy everyone Christmas presents because you are old and have money (but you are actually broke).
Mom, if you are reading this, please Venmo me money so I can buy everyone a present but don't tell them because I want them all to think I bought it out of the kindness of my own wallet. The worst part is your siblings don't have to get you a gift because they are younger and know you won't expect anything from them.
6. You are the mediator of fights that break out... or you are the instigator.
Your sisters get into a violent fight with a fake Indiana Jones whip... do you take the whip away or watch the drama unfold? Usually, I would end the quarrels but sometimes the entertainment was too good to put a stop to.
7. You always get to sit in the front seat
Yeah, this was the true cherry on top. Being mom's co-pilot while all the little ones had to sit in the smelly and uncomfortable back seat because the baby pooped in his diaper.
8. You love everyone the most
Being the oldest, you love everyone the most. You are basically mom jr. so everyone is your little baby, no matter how old they get. I loved the craziness of growing up with so many brothers and sisters, teaching me patience and kindness. No matter how annoying they are, we are family.
