Being the oldest of five children, people took to me as a leader. They expect me to have nurturing and care-giving skills, similar to a mothers. Being the oldest of five children with four younger brothers has presented many opportunities and joys in my life but it also comes with expectations. It has taught me to appreciate my time with them and to get to know their individual personalities. Although my brothers and I all look extremely similar...our personalities vary. While being the oldest creates expectations like no other being the only girl with four brothers is more of a challenge than you think.
When I am introduced to someone new and they ask if I have an siblings I proudly respond, yes I have four younger brothers. People are immediately taken aback and sometimes shocked at a family that big. Their next comments are usually something like oh they must adore you or you must be the princess in the house...which is the opposite from the truth. When people assumed I am a "princess" in my house and get what I want whenever I want, I am kind of offended. Never in my life have I heard someone say to a boy with all sisters that he must be the "prince" of the household. However, I do not receive special treatment. I am lucky enough to not have to share hand-me-downs with my brothers, one benefit of being a girl, and I have my own room but I still share all of my belongings with them. They feel that because they greatly outnumber me they can just waltz into my room whenever the feel like it to borrow something...not cool boys. But, growing up in a household of boys has taught me life lessons that other people will never learn. I'd say I'm pretty good at yard work and I enjoy sports. So, growing up in a family of five children and being the only girl is not as easy as all think. My special treatment is little to none as only my baby brother is spoiled now but I have no problem with that at all. I would never trade my family for any other and know that one day I will be able to look back and think about all the fun we had growing up.
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