Being the elder one

A couple of days back, I took my kids to swimming and just when my elder one was about to finish his lesson, my daughter needed to go to the toilet. Timing, I say! So, I quickly ran to my son and told him that I will be back in a minute. However, due to the shower and general commotion around the place, he could not hear what I said. I came back, as quick as I could and I found him crying. He said, ‘I couldn’t find you’. After the arrival of the second one, he is no longer the baby.  I gave him a big hug, a really long one. He is still little. Only 8 years old. The incident took me back to my childhood. As much as I enjoyed being the protective big sister to my brother, I too, at certain days felt the pressure of being the elder one. It has passed on to me, I guess. As a silently inherited trait, I too, many a times have said, ‘You are older than her, let her have it’.

Nothing sad about it, there are lots of perks and blessings of being the elder one as well. I was 4 years old when I had my little brother and I vividly remember that Sunday morning. I was in a rickshaw with my grandmother and uncle and was very happy to see an elephant just outside the hospital. It was a bit rainy but pleasant for the April weather in Jorhat, India. I somehow, remember the elephant more than my brother. Now, he wouldn’t be very happy to hear that. Just kidding, I do remember the first glimpse of my little brother. I was the guinea pig for my parents (being the elder one), now he was for me! Here are a few memories (some have already being repeated and some on the verge of being repeated)

I have bossed around for years now!

Coach

Wrestling buddy

Teacher of everything including

Partner in crime and confidant

Shield from any external party: Can you spot the cute puppy?

Teasing, Embarrassment, Fun and ball bearer 🙂

Would love to hear your stories of ‘being the elder one’. Do share your beautiful memories with us.

Much love

Suranjita

Suranjita Bhagawati

Hello and welcome to 'Mumways'. I am Suranjita and I live in London with my three lovely kids and husband. Mumways is for inspiration - Writing about parenting, well being and lifestyle. I hope you enjoy going through it and thank you for visiting!