Why do younger siblings seem to never care about their big brothers and sisters?

[ManOnFire]

Is it because they're the youngest and think they should always be the ones to have others check up on them?

[IslaTheWitch]

It depends on how the family treat the siblings. My kids were always equally treated. I never asked older to take care of younger, because I felt it's my responsibility.

Now in their 20s and late teens they are bunch of loving people who care of each other. It's as it should be.

But I see parents and relatives as responsible beings for creating the proper family structure and environment for siblings to create the proper and everlasting bond. So they can support each other, even if parents are not there.

[nastyb]

When you grow up being the "baby of the house" , you dont have to take care of anyone. This is why older siblings are typically more responsible, caring than younger siblings.

[ManOnFire]

That is exactly right. They get spoiled.

[adam6402]

I disagree. If anything, I'd say the oldest are the spoiled ones. They get the most love and attention as a baby because a first child always does, they always get new toys, new clothes, they never have to wear hand-me-downs, they always have dominance over the younger siblings, and they grow up without having to deal with anyone older or bigger than them pushing them down their whole life. The youngest of the family is always seen as the spoiled one, and I used to believe it too. But ever since I've had nephews and nieces and observed my sister's families, I can see how much the youngest of the family always gets forced to the bottom of the family food chain.

[nastyb]

@adam6402

Its the youngest that gets all the attention. "oh he's so cute.. look at how much he's grown! " or "he doesn't have to do anything because he's a baby!"
The youngest siblings get away with everything.
Parents are always stricter with the older sibling. They see the older sibling as someone who should know better or should have gotten things together. Then they see the younger as the "baby" who doesn't have to know any better.

There is a reason why younger siblings are often called spoiled ones.

Your family is the exception. Not the rule. Exceptions will always exist but we are referring to the vast majority here.

But I would have to agree with you that older siblings do bully or boss around younger siblings though. But just keep in mind younger siblings do not have nearly the same responsibilities as the older sibling.

[ManOnFire]

@adam6402 Yep, she's right. Older siblings are pushed to be more put together while bad behavior from younger siblings is even sometimes seen as cute or expected. Your parents could chide you for being immature at 18, yet when the younger sibling is immature at 18 they hardly get slaps on the wrist for it.

[NathanDavis]

different families will have different experiences...

my younger brother might be a better man than I am... and I made sure to help it to be the case

if anything happens, he always calls and also calls if nothing going on but just to check, and if needed... he'll flight right away

but then again, we all do it for each other in the family, that's also true

[Joshydavid25]

It's my first time hearing about this type of thing.. I mean in a way it does make sense.. The oldest is usually the least looked after child by the parents and are usually tasked with looking after their younger siblings..

[Joshydavid25]

Thanks for MHO!

[Dinklex3]

?

As the youngest, I’m the one who checks up on and takes care of both of my older siblings and my parents.

So I don't know what you’re talking about. I’m everyone’s favorite 🤷🏾‍♀️

[ManOnFire]

Wow, lucky you.

[Dinklex3]

I wouldn’t call it luck, but thanks lol.

[ManOnFire]

It's the opposite for me. I always check up on the younger one and he almost never checks up on me. So I decided to stop doing it to see if he'll think about me.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

I am the youngest of three.

I look up to my brothers.

I've always cared about both of 'em.

[blueonblack22]

That is part of it. Also the oldest is usually taught to be more independent and responsible.

[Sour-rose]

Maybe because they're just kids? They might take their older sibling for granted or they just don't show they care. they rather be just... young.

[ManOnFire]

Even into adult siblings? They were spoiled growing up so they still expect the world to be given to them and expect the older ones to always give a damn, and giving nothing in return.

[Sour-rose]

Eh, they'll learn.

[dmmewhenbored]

I think the younger siblings might always been in their older sibling’s shadow - no one has to say anything as such to make them feel as though their older sibling’s way of living etc is the standard they must reach so the competition I think is the reason for this

[Apple1996]

I'm the youngest of 7 and im only close with 2 of my brothers. I do check up on them from time to time but they do usually reach out first.

[ManOnFire]

Any reason why you're not close to the others?

[Apple1996]

They are a lot older than me so we never really bonded. Felt more like they were my parents

[ManOnFire]

That's kinda sad.

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

My younger brother is my biggest supporter… He cares a lot about me…

I love him a lot.

[InternetDisruption]

Younger siblings never care about their big brothers and sisters because big brothers and sisters are older and therefore less important.

[ManOnFire]

Are you a big brother?

[OddBeMe]

I have seen research on youngest child syndrome and possibly being more narcissistic to down right psychopathic. Lol

Parents should plan better. Hell we could even have a charity for that. What to call it…plan parenthood?

[DaBiggestBird]

I must mean “mentally, emotionally, and intellectually handicapped”. That’s more accurate in my experience

[Twalli]

Maybe it's different with you, but I don't think it's possible for anyone to care about me now than my sister. Maybe my parents and girlfriend match it, but definitely don't exceed it.

[LiamJHayden]

I have no siblings, but I know my friends care about and keep in contact with their siblings, younger and older.

[Anonymous]

Incest. It happens very easily

[ManOnFire]

Dude, what the fuck? Like, not even that kind of question.

[Opinion Owner]

Believe me it can happen when certain boundaries are crossed

[jahaims]

I don't find that to be the case

[ThrillSeeker01]

I can only speak for myself. Mine do.

[TiaNour]

My younger siblings care about me so…