Living With A Younger Sibling
By Kyleen, age 16, Arizona
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
Ever had a younger sibling? Ever had to deal with the busy schedule of being a big sister or big brother? Being 16 with a one year old brother is tough work. There is a lot more to being an older sibling than meets the eye. Having a younger brother or sister who's a few years younger is different than having one 15 years younger. My little brother is like having my own child. But instead of having full responsibility for him, I get to play the role of big sister.
Playing with him and feeding him is fun. It gives me an insight on what it will be like when I am a parent in, like,10 years. I had always hoped for a younger sibling, but I never thought of a situation where I would be like a second mom to him. I always imagined having a brother where he would be rushing through my room, tearing through my stuff, and breaking into my diary. But I ended up getting so much more - much better opportunities with him. He is such an amazing kid. I am really thankful that we have the age separation that we do. It's very different having him so much younger than having him older. I will be out of my house and on my own by the time he goes into kindergarten. There are a few things that upset me about him being so much younger than me. I won't be in the house when he grows up. He will go through his first day at school without me in the house. I will still get to be the fun, cool, older sister, but I will miss out on growing up with him.
Other than my one year old brother I have other siblings. I have 14, 17, 19, and 22 year old brothers, and a 24 year old sister. Unfortunately, they all live in California. I was able to go through most of my own childhood with my older brother who is 22. He and I grew up for the most part in the same house with the same parents. He got to have me as an annoying sister, and now I get part of that with my younger brother. I just hope I grow as close to my one year old sibling as I did to my 22 year old brother.
For those of you who have brothers and sisters, I honestly understand growing up with them. Younger or older, it's hard. But so far I have had fun being the younger and the older one. My advice - try and put up with it, because once you get older you'll realize how lucky you were to have them in your life. I think you get more of an insight on being a sibling when you have such an age gap as I do. I am lucky to have my brothers and sister. I wouldn't trade them for anything! Siblings are blessings that I am thankful to have.
