Being an older sibling | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

The Blessing And The Curse Of Being So Much Older Than Your Siblings

I love my brothers and sister, but I'd be lying if I said sometimes I wish I could have been an only child.

307
The Blessing And The Curse Of Being So Much Older Than Your Siblings
Madisson Morris

When I was seven years old, a baby boy and a baby girl were both brought into my life. And this same instance happened again when I was eleven years old, except this time it was two more boys. I considered myself truly blessed to have so many adorable and fun little kids running around and looking up to their big sister.

It wasn't until I found myself changing diapers and cutting everything on their dinner plate into micro bite-size pieces that I realized that this was just the beginning. I would be caring for and helping my parents with these kids for the rest of my life just about. And that is where the curse of being such an older sister came in.

I quickly turned into the live-in babysitter. Everywhere I went or turned, there my brother or sister would be. It was like I couldn't get away from these little monsters. There came a point I would cancel my own plans just to babysit. I loved being around them and spending time with them, but they were just about taking over my personal life. I always wondered if my parents waited so long to have more kids so that I would be able to babysit for them all the time.

I learned that everything I said or did was being watched and analyzed very closely by all of them. I became a role model by the age of eight - remind you I was still sneaking juice boxes to bed at this age. I tried to be the best I could be for them, I kept a tidy room, ate all of the food on my plate and never talked back to my parents, or at least tried not to. I felt they forced me to mature early.

I practiced being a mini mom for years. I learned everything I could about caring for a baby in the time that I had with my siblings. I know how to change a diaper at insane human speed and how to make a full three-course meal all while having a child on my hip. I loved learning and getting comfortable with my siblings. It made me more comfortable later on accepting babysitting jobs from people I didn't even know. I have experience and I will forever carry that with me because of my younger siblings.

Being so much older meant I obviously got my license first, which now meant I was promoted from babysitter to taxi driver. Driving them to and from practice and violin lessons or to go visit mom at work, my work as their chauffeur has yet to cease.

The huge gap between our ages was hard to deal with sometimes, but if it really came down to it, I wouldn't want it any other way. I like being a big sister to four crazy kids. It will always be a little bit of a curse, but an even bigger blessing.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends

Here you will find a list of many of the people you will come across in your life, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to give a name to all these characters that you hopefully see day to day. Don't take these friends for granted because they all add a little something to your life, and if you can't name all of them to your personal friends, chances are it might be you...

Keep Reading...Show less
gossip girl

On the Upper East Side, Blair Waldorf is an icon. She's what every girl aspires to be. She's beautiful, confident, and can handle any obstacle that life throws at her. Sure, she may just be a television character. But for me, she's a role model and theres a lot that can be learned from Queen B.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Perks of Being a Girl

“I just want you to know that you’re very special… and the only reason I’m telling you is that I don’t know if anyone else ever has.”

2769
girl

As frustrating and annoying as it can be, being a girl is really awesome. We are beautiful inside and out. Not a lot of people may see that, but girls have a ton of amazing qualities.

We have unique flirting skills.

Us girls have a significant way to flirt with other people. Even when we say the most random or awkward things, we have a way of making everything sound cute and planned. It’s just a gift; we’re good like that.

Keep Reading...Show less
gossip girl

Us college students know all about the struggle of spending the day in the library. Whether you are writing a ten-page paper, studying for a biology exam, or struggling through math homework, you somehow find the strength to get to the library to get it all done. Let's just say you have a lot of different thoughts that run through your head during the many hours you spend in the lovely library.

Keep Reading...Show less
female tv characters
We Heart It

Over the past decade, television has undergone a very crucial transition: the incorporation of female lead characters. Since it's a known fact that girls actually do run the world (Beyonce said so herself), it's time for the leading ladies of the small screen to get some credit. Without these characters, women would still be sitting in the background of our favorite shows. These women are not only trailblazers for female empowerment, but role models for women worldwide. With that, here are 15 of the smartest, sassiest ladies gracing our screens that remind us that women do, indeed, rule:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments