It first happened on March 7, 2009, and then it happened again on Dec. 13, 2022. Those were the days I became an older sister. Being an older sister is a unique and fulfilling role that comes with responsibilities and challenges. While being an older sister can be demanding at times, it is also rewarding. It’s like I’m a parent witnessing their growth, experiences, and their well-being.
In my early years of being an older sibling. I often found myself taking the role of being a second parent to my brother. I was always there to ensure their safety, offer comfort, and provide advice. From changing nasty diapers to feeding, my responsibilities extended to helping with everyday tasks.
There are two age gaps between my brothers and I. One being two years away from my age and the other being 15 years of age gap. While the 14 year old is gaining independence, the 10-month-old requires constant attention and care. It is my responsibility to make sure that they are okay 24/7 and it is hard. .
Juggling between both of their needs and my needs is challenging. I am stuck at home pulling out my hair from the constant stress I get. Crying in silence. I can’t even get my homework done at my own house because I’m always on my feet worrying about a 10-month-old.
The day-to-day responsibilities of caring for a 10-month-old can be physically demanding and exhausting. The constant supervision is overwhelming. I never had to keep my eye on someone so much. On the other hand, looking after a 14-year-old is like going through challenges of adolescence requires a different kind of energy, involving emotional support, listening, and offering guidance. The constant juggling act of managing the care and emotional well-being of both siblings can leave me feeling drained.
Time management is a critical aspect of my role. It often means sacrificing personal time, social activities, and hobbies to meet the needs of my siblings. While my friends are hanging out with each other, I am at home ensuring that the baby is fed and happy.
Being an older sister to both 10 month old and 14 year old is a challenging and demanding role. The struggles of balancing the needs of two siblings with an age difference can be overwhelming, requiring physical and emotional sacrifice.
Taking care of my brothers can have its disadvantages, but it can also have its benefits. Such as I get to watch my brothers achieve many milestones. For example, my 10-month-old brother can stand up by himself.
Caring for them requires patience and empathy, this role helps me develop these crucial life skills. The patience to soothe a fussy baby and understanding required to support a teenager grappling with the challenges of growing up have enriched my ability to empathize with others.
Although I can’t do my homework at home and I don’t have a lot of time to myself. I learned to manage my time and responsibilities efficiently. Juggling between both brothers who are at different life stages, has taught me invaluable time management and organizational skills.
There are many memories that I get from watching my brothers and there will be more in the future. I get to watch with my own eyes my baby brother taking his first steps. My 14-year-old brother has had a rocky relationship ever since, but now that I babysit him 24/7 our relationship has grown from enemies to brotherly-sisterly love.
Being an older sister with not only one but two brothers has its unique and rewarding experience. The benefits are impactful, from building bonds and developing empathy to honing time management skills and building lifelong memories.
