Being an elder brother or a sister has its own advantages as well as problems. In a big family, the elder one has to share some of the responsibilities of both father and mother. If this can be looked upon as a necessary burden, one cannot avoid it. For the smooth going of the family, such as service of the elder child, is always expected.
Not let us see some of the problems of looking after the younger ones. They have to be kept away from the kitchen when mother is working. But it is not an easy task. If you obstruct them, they raise a cry and begin to weep. This disturbs mother. If one or two slaps are given their backs, they will cry as though the very sky has fallen on them. Very often, the elder one is asked to dress up the children. It is really an ordeal. They prove very rebellious and make the task very hard and make one lose all patience. Quite often, they have to be taught; either they won’t come at all for studies or prove very stubborn. The elder one has to be an image of patience. Still, nothing can be taught. If the elder one were to lose patience, only he or she will be found fault with.
Another frustration is that the elder one cannot own anything, new or attractive. Immediately, the younger ones want to have it. It may be a pen, an instrument box or even a pencil eraser. The elder one may protest but ultimately, it will be the younger ones who win.
Another trying occasion is when mother is away from home. It may be to a movie or visiting a friend, very often the younger ones make a hell of that time. They quarrel among themselves, pick up a row, fly at each other’s throat, they want to eat something and if that is given they want more. If not given, they will create a story and carry the complaint to the mother. The younger ones always spy on the elder one. They want to a accompany the brother or sister wherever he or she goes. If they are taken they will always be ready to carry real or imaginary tales to the mother. One difficulty with them is, they want to be with the brother or sister and at the same time they want to have their own way. There may be exceptions but the reality is always there.
ordeal a tough test
stubborn obstinate
