The greatest gift a parent can give is that of a sibling (so they say). Although siblings can get on our nerves from time to time, us collegiettes would be so bored without them. One of the most rewarding things in life is being an older sibling, and being a positive influence on your younger sibling’s life. As the older sibling, it is not always easy and definitely requires patience, but it does have its perks.
1. Everything You Did Was A Big Deal
You were the first one to walk, the first one to get a college acceptance, and the first one to graduate high school, so all of these things were causes for huge celebration. Since you’re the first child, your parents were just as thrilled as you were. Once it is your younger siblings turn, these events lose a little excitement.
2. You Automatically Have Fans
From the moment a younger sibling is born, the biggest star in their sky is their older sibling. By nature, they simply want to be just like you, hence following you everywhere. So they might take all your clothes and toys, but remember that imitation is the highest form of flattery.
3. You Have The Ability To Be A Role Model
Younger siblings always look up to the older sibling, which gives older siblings a chance to be a good role model. By knowing there is someone younger watching every life decision you make; you tend to make decisions more wisely.
4. No Hand-Me-Downs
Since you are the first-born, everything you have is brand new and there are no suspicious stains you have to worry about. That is the younger sibling’s problem.
5. You Define Yourself
Going through elementary school and high school, no teachers had any sibling to compare you to, so you got a fresh start every year. By being an older sibling, teachers got to see you for whom you are, not based on who your older sister or brother was.
6. You Had The Most Influence
Whether it was deciding on where to go for dinner or what to play for family game night, the older sibling usually has most of the say. Put simply, since we’re older, we have more influence.