Time after time, I see articles and lists on my timeline boasting about how incredible it is being the "baby" of the family.
"It's so great to be spoiled!"
"I'm treated like royalty!"
"I'm definitely the favorite child."
While I can't speak for the middle child(ren), on behalf of all of the oldest siblings, there are definitely perks that accompany being born first that aren't experienced by any of the other age ranges. We may not be the youngest, but we're still pretty kickass in our own way.
1. You can bribe them to do things for you.
Being the oldest sibling generally means you're the first child to have a job, meaning you have your own money to carelessly spend.
Need something from the local convenience store, but don't want to run in yourself? Send the sibling in and let them buy something for themselves, too.
Got a chore you don't want to do? Offer to throw the youngest a few bucks if they'll do it for you.
Honestly, the bribing possibilities are near endless when you've got younger siblings, and I'd highly recommend they be utilized.
2. You're like another parent to them.
You get to be another influence for how they'll see the world, and another person they can look up to as they grow older.
They get to watch you, and learn by your example on how to navigate life from somebody other than your parents. They can turn to you for advice, help with schoolwork and "relationship problems," and can count on you to be at their important life events.
You are, to some extent, just as important to them as your parents are.
3. They can talk to you about things they're too scared to talk to your parents about.
https://giphy.com/gifs/the42-parental-characterist...
As the oldest sibling, I am completely prepared to answer "weird" questions from my siblings, now and later, and am honored that they trust me enough to ask me such things.
Regardless of how close you are with your parents, sometimes you just can't bring yourself to talk to them about certain topics. I love my mother, and trust her with my life, but talking to her about my "monthly visitor" didn't become any easier until I wasn't a teenager anymore.
Being able to act as a knowledgeable resource for your younger siblings is really incredible, for both you and them.
4. You get to be their first best friend.
My younger sister constantly says my name, only to tell me, "I love you." She follows me around the house when she's bored. She asks my opinion about everything before she makes a decision. She wants to go with me everywhere, anytime I try to leave the house.
I was one of her first best friends, and she is currently one of mine, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Sure, you can still be close to your siblings, even if you aren't the oldest, but there's something about having both a parental and youthful relationship that makes your friendship with them even more meaningful.
5. You were your parents crash test dummy, so you know the younger siblings' childhood will be bangin'.
My parents were personally all really great parents for me having been the first child, but I've read plenty of horror stories about the first child being sort of a "trial" child regarding what they can, can't, and should or shouldn't do.
Although it may seem like a downside at the time, being the first child and "test dummy" for your parents is actually really great.
You get to ensure that your younger siblings all have the greatest, safest, best childhood they possibly can, because now your parents know what not to do.
