Brothers and sisters - being the youngest

Contents

• Being the youngest
• Feelings
• What some kids said about being the youngest
• Dr Kate says

While you are growing, you are always going to be younger and smaller than your older brother or sister. You will not be 'big enough' or 'old enough' yet to do all the exciting things that your older sibling can do.

Being the youngest

What it's like to be 'the baby' of the family.

These are some things that the younger 'sibs' have said.
	She's always telling me what to do.
	I never get the new stuff.
	I always have to watch her play sport and it's boring.
	He gets to stay up later.
	She gets to sleep over at friends' places and I don't.

Feelings

You may feel that your older brother or sister gets more things, gets more privileges… and shouldn't be 'the boss of you'.

What to do
Talk to your parents and your older sib. Let them know how you feel and see if you can work things out together.

What's good about being younger
Of course there are advantages in being the youngest.

		You always have someone's attention.
		There are lots of toys around for you to play with.
		You have more experienced parents.
		You have someone to help you.

What some kids said about being the youngest

	I get to play her CD's.
	My brother is much older than me so I get things from him as well as from my parents. I sometimes talk to him but he is normally sleeping or out somewhere.
	Sometimes I get more attention and help from the others.
	Adam helps me on the computer.
	I couldn't have bubblegum until I was 11 because my brother had choked on it when he was 3 [he didn't die though].
	I hate it when my brother play fights with me because I get hurt.

	My sister helps me to plait my hair,
	When she gets sick of clothes and toys I get them.
	My big brother can drive me places.
	I'll be the last person to leave school and drive a car.
	I have lots of people to care for me.
	My older brother talks to me in a rude fashion sometimes.
	I get to borrow money off my sister if I'm 'broke'.

Dr Kate says:

"Being the youngest in a family can be really good because you have older brothers and sisters to take care of you as well as parents.

Remember that they need to hang out with their friends sometimes, just like you do. Don't be a 'shadow', live your own happy life."

Some famous youngest siblings

• Jim Carrey- actor
• Billy Crystal-actor and comedian
• Danni Minogue-singer and actress

We've collected this information to help you to understand important things about staying healthy and happy. However, if you feel sick or unhappy, it is important to tell your mum or dad, a teacher or another grown-up.