Tsay Miri/Initial Draft/summer56

The first-born children usually have the most difficult live among siblings. The first child doesn't have enough time to enjoy his childhood. Soon after arrival of younger brother or sister the oldest child has to accommodate to new responsibilities. Now he has to take care not only of himself but also of other person. 

Another thing that makes the oldest child's life difficult is changing attitude of parents. He/she used to be the center of attention and was given all the love but now parents seem to be more interested in younger siblings. A lot of older people in their early childhood might have experienced stress due to the change in parents' behavior. Furthermore, some parents tend to create a 'role model' from their oldest kid. They may constantly put pressure on him/her to study, behave and act better, so that young siblings could follow their example. If a child feels that he cannot reach the expectations of parents or other relatives she/he might become highly vulnerable and insecure adult in the future. In relationships with parents and youger siblings the oldest child becomes like a mediator or liason, they should help both their siblings and parents in communication.

 Of course, there are also some advantages of being the first child in family. Older children tend to be caring, diligent and have good leadership skills because of their birth order. They can learn and acquire behavioral and communicative patterns from parents unconsciously to bigger extent than their siblings. They also have some authority over younger siblings and can exercise it to their benefit. It is obvious that the order of birth doesn't necessarily define the level of happiness or person's behavior. Nevertheless, I believe that the life of the first child is more difficult because he is supposed to take care of younger siblings apart from own family and parents. 

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Best wishes, 

Tsay Miri