Being the oldest is a burden

[shabellegal]

Anyone else the eldest child here?

Even though I’m a college grad with an established career, I feel like my family’s needs comes before mines. Since I’m the first born (uurad? however you spell it) you have the highest expectations from your parents.

I moved out recently and my parents felt like I was abadoning them, even though I’m very involved in my younger brothers lives, be it academic and as a big sibling.

Sometimes it feels like being the eldest in Somali culture is such a burden, because your expected to put your family’s needs before your own. Anyone else feel the same way?

 

[Balqisa]

I can relate. Being the curad is hard

 

[Baliska]

Being the eldest definitely is a burden.
I myself am a middle child, you don't get all the responsibilities, but you get easily ignored and develop middle child syndrome and attention seeking compulsion.

 

[Subeer]

Being the youngest is liiiiit, nothing is my fault, even if end up like a bum, its somehow the oldest ones fault

 

[Hatredfree]

Being the middle child no one gives a fuvk

 

[Cumar]

Anyone else the eldest child here?

Even though I’m a college grad with an established career, I feel like my family’s needs comes before mines. Since I’m the first born (uurad? however you spell it) you have the highest expectations from your parents.

I moved out recently and my parents felt like I was abadoning them, even though I’m very involved in my younger brothers lives, be it academic and as a big sibling.

Sometimes it feels like being the eldest in Somali culture is such a burden, because your expected to put your family’s needs before your own. Anyone else feel the same way?

I'm the youngest child so I'm the opposite of your perspective. Both my older sisters were so good to me growing up. I was spoiled rotten tbh. My parents are more conservative though, my sisters only moved out when they got married.

Now that I'm older and independent I spoil my niece and nephews with many gifts and help out my sister's with the kids whenever I can. Its my duty to help them when they basically helped raise me.

 

[Jiron]

It’s hard but u have to keep it pushing, sometimes families do not realize the hardship they put on ur shoulders, they believe u love doing all the responsibilities when some one else can help while u are not there. Whatever the case, please continue to better ur life first and THEN help ur family