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Being The Oldest!

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"Then there's the work - like picking my brothers and sisters up." Ryan concludes that being the eldest of five children can have some serious draw-backs!

Transcript

"I'm the oldest of my family, with three sisters and one brother. Sam who's eight, Sean who's five, Shane who's seven and Abi's fifteen months old. There's good and bad things about being the oldest, like I'm allowed to to out with my friends until late. I can get away with blue murder when I'm naughty, which is really great.

But I hate it sometimes, because my parents don't pay me as much attention as the younger children, and it's so annoying when my brothers and sisters come in my room and break anything they can get their hands on. And then there's work. Like picking my brothers and sisters up from after-school clubs and going to the shop when all I want to do is go out with my friends.

Sometimes I wish I was the second oldest, then I wouldn't have to do all these jobs.

The best thing is being Abi's biggest brother. I was 12 when Abi was born. I was so excited I couldn't wait to see her. From the minute I did, she was my special little sis. When her name is mentioned, it brings a smile to my face. I like spending most of my time with Abi, we go for walks, and she loves it, and even better, I love it. There are good and bad things about being the oldest but I wouldn't change it for the world."

By: Ryan Coulton
Published: July 2004

An interview with the author

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm 13 years old with three sisters and one brother - their ages ranging from 18 months and to nine years.

What's your story about?
My story's about what's it like being the oldest child in the family - expressing the bad and good things about being the oldest.

Why did you choose to tell this particular story?
It mirrors everyday for me, both the highs and the lows.

What did you find most rewarding about the workshop?
I felt that being able to express my feelings was the most rewarding thing about the workshop.


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