You are no longer an only child or the baby of the house anymore. Now you have a new job that you have to fulfill 24/7. It’s like an everlasting internship that pays you $0.00. However annoying your role as an elder sibling may be, you make the most of it and secretly enjoy being the boss. Here are a few things that an older sibling can relate too.
1. You’re expected to be their private tutor regardless of how much work you have of your own.
Starting from the ABC’s to multiplying and dividing, eventually leading up to algebraic equations, you have to teach them everything. If they do badly on their history test, then darn, you forgot to teach them about how the Anglo-Saxons took over the Native Americans' homeland!
2. You’ve had babysitting practice since you were about 8 years old.
When Mom and Dad were at work, you were in charge of the house and everything that goes on within it, including your siblings. Making sure that they eat, do their homework, don’t fight or hurt themselves was all your responsibility. Goodness, so much on an eight year old's plate!
3. Completing all of their paperwork required for school
Whether it was legal paperwork required for High School or FAFSA for college, you were responsible for completing it all. Your younger siblings can’t possibly know how to fill out documents accurately and precisely now, can they?
4. You're their personal chauffeur.
When your parents aren't in the mood to drive your little brother to his friend's house, a birthday party or even school, then you're the go-to driver! You might as well be prepared to grab some groceries on the way back home as well.
5. Your siblings get privileges you never had as a child.
You had to beg your parents to get you a cell phone at the onset of high school, but your little brother got one as soon as he turned 12. He got his own tablet at 13 and got away with anything that his little heart desired including sleepovers, staying up past 10, birthday parties, you name it!
6. There was always an excuse for your younger siblings’ misbehavior.
“He’s little, he doesn’t know any better.” “But he’s 14, Mom….” You’ll stay wishing that your misbehaviors were excused like that.
7. You need to serve as a role model for your siblings.
Making straight A’s, being at your best behavior, obeying your parents commands, all things you’re obligated to do just so your siblings can follow.
8. You turn into their guardian angel.
The responsibility of an older sibling has already been hammered into your head, but now you feel the need to protect them from all of the world’s evils. They may call you bossy, annoying and overprotective in the process, but that doesn’t stop you from sneaking up on them to make sure they’re OK.
9. It melts your heart that they won’t be so little much longer.
Seeing your little brother grow from a little boy to a teenager on his way to high school just leaves you in shock! Soon he’ll be in college and you’ll be left with memories of bossing him around 24/7.
Although being an older sibling comes with endless responsibilities, you couldn’t imagine your life in any other way. You do indeed serve as their role model, but you grow along with them in the years that you spend together!
