is it really difficult being the eldest child in the family?
@jessicaryan18 (212)
Philippines
June 3, 2010 9:36pm CST
i had a friend who happens to be the eldest of a poor family.. her father is so sick that he can do work as a construction worker twice or thrice a week and her mother doing extra income accepting laundry in the neighborhood. my friend has 3 sisters and 2 brothers so they are 6 children in the family..my friend is 24 years old with 2 kids and now separated from his alcoholic husband for almost 3 months now. here is the problem.. being the eldest child my friend is so guilty that she never be a good example to her sisters and brothers and the worst is she can not do something for her family and her parents are expecting her to help them for some financial matter cos she is the eldest child.. being the eldest you think your parents has the right to expect something from you?
3 responses
@gloryacam (5540)
• Philippines
4 Jun 10
I am the eldest in the family, and lucky for me, my parents have not expected anything from me. Depending on the traditions of the place, the role of the eldest is often seen as burdensome. However, I believe in what Ann Frank said that everyone is responsible for his own upbringing, so if your eldest had failed in some things and you fail as well with an excuse that you were just following your elder sibling, I think that's just a lame excuse.
As to financial matters, even though my parents don't expect it, I sometimes give them support. Now that I am myself working, I now appreciate the hardwork that they've done in order for me to finish school and get good jobs. And while I still don't have my own family to support, I will try to support them instead of wasting money in other unworthy matters.
@jessicaryan18 (212)
• Philippines
4 Jun 10
i agree.. it depends on where you are who you are and what are your dreams for the future that helps you to be a better person... not being the eldest or the youngest child as the saying goes... who you are today is the result of what you did yesterday..
@StephanieAnnC (4274)
• United States
4 Jun 10
I'm the oldest child in my family. I don't feel like its' incredibly hard. I'm just a role model for my younger sister. I try to lead by example, but most of the time she doesn't listen. I like being the older sister, actually. 

@jessicaryan18 (212)
• Philippines
4 Jun 10
yes that is right.. so being the eldest you need to set an example and being a good example is not hard for a person who knows what is right and what is wrong.. a responsible individual.. but for a person who did mistakes that would really be hard for him/he the situation of being the eldest child.
@Baluyadav (3643)
• India
4 Jun 10
hi,jess,i can tell you in few words..inspite of your statement prevails mostly in the society,but when the elder guy/girl was born in rich family
without any burden then there nothing problem and very happy also.
All the best and have a nice time.
All the best and have a nice time.



