Dear Nairalanders,I want us to look into something that I noticed,maybe its the world all over or just Nigeria.
The first child of any family usually have more responsibilty than his siblings to the extent it affects his own family,he is usually under enormous pressure from the family to help the whole family not minding if he is able or not.
So please lets discuss this issue.Is it really the responsibility of the first child to complete the unfinished business of his/her parents at all cost. Does he have to pay the price of being the first.

there are alot of things , concentration wise especially when your parents are not in good terms. You as the first born needs to do alot to settle the scores. There was a time my mother was thinking i was a wayward person. I mean i am supporting my dad over my mom when i actually love my mom more than my father BUT i have to be objective and not blindfolded or else things will get worse between them, i am abroad now and am free from their issues[i][/i][color=#006600][/color]

1. You're always under pressure to be a role model (self imposed pressure, that is).

2. You keep a safe distance from girls because you don't want the younger soldiers to start eating the apple of Eve before their jaws are strong enough for the process.

3. You smile like an slowpoke caught red handed with his hand deep down in the pot of soup when one of the younger soldiers 'catches' you walking hand in hand with a girl in the park.

4. Your eyes pop out outta the sockets when you eventually realize the young soldiers are well knowledgeable in the 'affairs of the world', without your 'help'.

i dont envy my older sister cos of the responsibility she carries as the eldset. even when we were kids,she was expected to act ages older and she gets to do most of house and kitchen works while we lounge in front of the t.v. i think its natural.

Yep, being a first child comes with a lot of responsibilities, which one is bound to face and different times in life.

grafikdon:

1. You're always under pressure to be a role model (self imposed pressure, that is).

2. You keep a safe distance from girls because you don't want the younger soldiers to start eating the apple of Eve before their jaws are strong enough for the process.

3. You smile like an slowpoke caught red handed with his hand deep down in the pot of soup when one of the younger soldiers 'catches' you walking hand in hand with a girl in the park.

4. Your eyes pop out out of the sockets when you eventually realize the young soldiers are well knowledgeable in the 'affairs of the world', without your 'help'.

This is funny but it's the truth.

dominique:

i don't envy my older sister because of the responsibility she carries as the eldset. even when we were kids,she was expected to act ages older and she gets to do most of house and kitchen works while we lounge in front of the t.v. i think its natural.

Ah you are lucky. As the second born I was slapped several times to go and help my sister in the kitchen.

ThoniaSlim:

Yep, being a first child comes with a lot of responsibilities, which one is bound to face and different times in life.

Yep. It's just a cross they have to carry. When the parents are not around they take the position of captain

But it is best to enforce the issue of independence on the younger ones, otherwise the firstborn would be faced with problems like the younger ones thinking you are their Dad/breadwinner in their thirties.

I suppose it is a privilege to be the first child and be role models for siblings if they exist. A lot of responsibilities are required of the first child/ first male child it comes with tradition. However, you need to apply wisdom in dealing with issues especially after marriage because you allegiance shifts to you own family.

i think the real problem comes after the first born is married, his/her attention would naturally be divided but like odiaseo said:

However, you need to apply wisdom in dealing with issues especially after marriage because you allegiance shifts to you own family.

Not at all.

Do you sh!ts and don't make others' sh!t your shi!t and you'll be fine!

responsibilities

yes oo, plenty plenty responsibilities, but i guess as the eldest we SHOULD take on these responsibilities but sometimes they just take tha mickkeeeeyyy :p

it is a previlege if your parents are in good term and confortable also some self imposed resposibilities attached by the time you are becoming older.
men ,it isn't easy o.
ask us and we will tell you enough story

It is fun being the oldest xld in your family irrespective of the responsibilities attached because you get to act as a role model to your younger ones. It kind of makes you to be more focused and responsible, since you would not want your siblings to be irresponsible . You just have to try your best to help your parents in ensuring that eveybody in the house behaves well.

I think the eldest have to pay for always having the biggest meat when they were young

tell me about it, i'm d 1st

I am a first child and I live my life everyday striving to be the best I can be.