By Jurielle Cornelia
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly following your older sibling’s footsteps? It’s very common, seeing our older siblings excel can make us feel like it’s never enough. This pressure can either be good or bad—which leads to the feeling of anxiety. You always try to find your place in the family. Older siblings have done everything first; this means you’re constantly trying to figure out who you are, and how to stand out.
Life as the youngest child often comes with a carefree image—the “baby” showered with love and attention. While the affection has some truth, it can hide the silent struggles the youngest children face. Older siblings often set a high standard of accomplishments. As described by psychotherapist Guenette Du Ville, this can create a sense of having to catch up. The youngest children often face unique struggles, including feelings of inadequacy, and identity issues shaped by their position within the family.
Being the youngest can seem like a dream come true—all the love and attention, right? While there’s certainly love, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Youngest children face some unique challenges that can be tough to deal with.
“Spoiled”
A single word carries a weight of expectations that can shape one’s childhood behavior.
The word “spoiled” is often used to describe children who act demanding or entitled. But this simple label doesn’t explain the real reasons behind their behavior. It’s unfair to judge a child based on one word. A child’s behavior is influenced by many things, like their family, how they were raised, or it could also be their own experiences.
Oftentimes, it feels like you’re never taken seriously. Your parents and siblings might still see you as the baby of the family, even when you’re grown up. Most of the time this could mean that your opinions might not seem as important. The hardest part of being the youngest is that nobody talks about these feelings.
The youngest child might seem to have it easy, but they often feel worried and confused. They always want to show that they’re just as good as their older siblings. But the good news is, being the youngest doesn’t have to hold them back. Understanding these challenges can help them become stronger. They can learn to be happy with who they are, instead of always comparing themselves to others. Being the youngest is a special experience. It’s about finding their own way, knowing themselves, and becoming the person they want to be—not the person others want them to be.
