Families come in all sorts of sizes and dynamics. They have their imperfections, can be frivolous at moments and generally support each other in times of need. 

Older siblings are the bridge between their family as they have a unique bond with their parents and their siblings. Students who are the oldest in their family are often considered to be role models to their younger siblings. While older children don’t have anyone to look up to, except for their parents and sometimes extended family such as cousins, they are the first in their family to experience important life stages, for instance getting a driver’s license or going to college.

“I like being the oldest because everything I do is new and exciting,” junior Olivia Grindal, who has two younger siblings, said. “I feel protective over my siblings and I help them with school and friends.”

Younger brothers and sisters can be bothersome at times to their older siblings, but they frequently look up to them for advice ranging from what classes to take in school to how to resolve arguments with friends. 

“I like having older siblings I can go to for advice,” sophomore Graceyn Jones, who has two older brothers including junior Garrett, said. “One thing that’s hard about being the youngest is seeing my older siblings have more privileges, like having a later curfew or being allowed to make more plans than I am.”

Being a middle child has its benefits and disadvantages. Middle children are able to be an older and younger sibling at the same time. They can give advice to their younger sibling as well as have someone to look up to when needed. Some middle children can develop middle child syndrome, which is when the middle child can feel excluded from their family. They can believe that their parents give more attention to their older or younger siblings, instead of them.

“I was the youngest of five and now I’m the middle of seven children,” senior Renae Knisely said. “The pro of being a middle child is that when you mess up, your parents don’t care as much versus if you were the youngest or oldest, they pay attention to you more.”

Being an only child means having everything to yourself and not having to compete for attention from parents. Only children often have a close relationship with their parents, but they can get lonely at times with no siblings to share special moments with.

“I have a more direct relationship with my parents with no standards set in stone,” freshman Tanish Dora said. “On long holiday breaks it gets boring and lonely as there is no one else to share ideas and interact with.”

Every family has its ups and downs, the ability to support one another during sorrowful times, the power to create cheerful memories and be grateful for one another. 

“They are very reliable and help with emotional problems I go through,” freshman Nithya Muthukumar, who is the oldest of two, said. “I can count on them to make me feel better and cheer me up.”