Both; being the oldest or the youngest child have their advantages.
Being either of the two also carry disadvantages as well. Being the oldest for most families I know, including mine when I was a kid, involves having to look after their younger siblings, which could include a ton of responsibilities that could vary significantly. Of course, it depends on how many and the age of each of the eldest siblings there are.
On the other hand, the oldest gets to do a bit more than the younger children like going to slumber parties or going over to Grandma’s alone for a week to help her out around the house. That’s usually the time Grandma spoils the oldest by sliding them some cash only for themselves, buying their fav out-to-eat meals the entire week, and/or taking them on a special trip or something.
The youngest child gets away with a lot such as not having to do house chores, getting to leave with the parent(s) majority of times when they go out to take care of business or whatnot, and getting most of the attention from everyone else in the family, including distant relatives. They also don’t get punished as much as the rest, especially not near as much as the oldest child.
On the other hand, being the youngest excludes them from doing many things older children are able to do. Therefore, it depends on the situation regarding which of the two is better, being the oldest or youngest child.
I’m right there with you, Cheryl! At 6 years old, I had 4 younger siblings; 3 sisters & 1 brother and learned how to change a baby’s diaper for the first time, too! Now, I must admit though, that there’s something about being able to claim & own the “oldest” title. I can remember those times of us children standing around either one person or a few people on different occasions and someone always seemed to ask, “Who’s the oldest?” The only thing that would come from my younger siblings would be a look my way that was filled with complete silence until I would speak up, “Me,” or “I am.” All I know is It felt & still feels good for some reason or another! LoL
If you are the youngest, rest assured you will always be on the receiving end. That has happened in many family. The last borns are pampered a lot.
This is very true
I appreciate for your understanding, Sheryl.
Youngest because when you have your first you don’t have a clue how to raise a child and you’re just practising. When I look back at myself as a first time mother I cringe.
I would say the oldest.
However I’m the oldest child out of the siblings.
I’m well over 40. Honestly, at this point it doesn’t matter much when interacting with my younger sibling.
I’m approaching 40, I still feel like many of the dynamics still exist with my younger sisters
I see.
As the youngest I do believe it is the best, I get the most attention of off all of my siblings and do seem to have all of them wrapped around my finger to an extent that they don’t with each other really 😂🙈 the oldest of us definitely gets away with it too though but she does things for me all the time because she’s the best big sister so I think I win 😂👏
I can’t argue that you’ve always been everybody’s best little creature
I’ll bow to that with the wisdom and dignity that comes with being the oldest ❤️
You are the wisest old owl I know ❤️
The youngest because you get more attention from your parents
And everybody else! Very true
Being a last born, comes with a lot of goodies in a family. So always good to be the youngest in a family.
There are lots of people pointing this out! It’s very true
To be the youngest im the yougest and was been spoiled by my father the elderst must look after the youngest
Very true
I am the oldest. I had advantages. I was spoiled by my maternal grandmother, even to this day as a mid 30 year old woman.
Those dynamics do stick around into adulthood with older relatives
I would prefer to be the youngest because you get spoiled
Very true! Even as adults my Mum still spoils my youngest sister
You are very right
Perfectly concluded!
I had 3 younger sisters by the time I was 8 and relate to much that you’ve said.