2016 Jun 24
by Shamila Naleer
Many people think that as a younger sibling, you have it easy. They think that you can get away with almost anything and get what you want just because you are younger. Oh, don’t get me wrong; being the youngest child has its benefits, too. Here’s what it is like to be a younger sibling in a Lankan family.
- No matter how old you are, you will also be known as “podi baba”, “chooti baba”, “nanga” and/or “malla”
If any of you have had a helper at home at any point in your life, you would have most likely been called “podi baba/baby” or “chooti baba/baby”. To this day, when my old helper (who is like family to me) calls for Christmas, New Year’s or birthdays, she still calls me “chooti baba”. Makes me feel like a child sometimes, but is still oh so sweet :’).
Moreover, even when you’re a 70 year old grandpa(ma), you can always count on your older sibling to call you “malla” or “nanga”.
- The shadow
Yes. I am talking about that gigantic shadow cast by your older sibling(s) that you have to somehow outgrow. The expectations people have on you can be frustrating, especially if Aiya and Akki were high achievers. If your sibling attained five A grades at their London Ordinary Level exams, for example, that will be the minimum results expected of you; five or higher, bro.
In addition, people expect you to be a second version of your older sibling. My sister, I am proud to say, attained the Island Best Award in English Language at her O/Levels. Subsequently, I was known as “Island Best Junior”. Oh, I got a good laugh out of that one.
Let me give you yet another instance. One of my sister’s former teachers used to address me by my sister’s name, no matter how many times I corrected him.
- Your elder sibling would be there for you, even if you do not realize it.
Since the age gap between my sister and I is about three and a half years, we’re pretty close. I can safely say that you can count on your sibling to back you up or cover for you if worse comes to worst (though sometimes this may only be achieved through means of blackmail).
Also, for anyone who’s watched the TV series, The Middle, you’d know the instances Axl has been there for is brother and sister, although he mostly acts like a complete jerk.
- The hand-me-downs
This, as everyone knows, is a worldwide phenomenon. Be it old uniforms, dresses, shirts, pants, shoes or toys, as a younger sibling, you would most definitely get hand-me-downs.
Indeed, it is cost saving, but come on; I think I would like the new Barbie, thank you very much.
- You tend to be teased the most
When I was smaller, my sister and older cousins would pick on me at least once every time we met up. Plus, they would always say, “You’re too small” if they were joking around and talking about “older kids” stuff. Like, bro, I know I’m small. I didn’t ask for a reminder.
- If your older sibling blew it, your parents would definitely not take a risk with you
When you’re a Lankan and have parents whose minds still operate 1960’s style, getting permission to leave the house (especially if you’re a girl) is such a strenuous task. So, if your parents grant your older sibling the permission to go out for a party and if something went wrong, you could kiss hanging out with friends goodbye. It doesn’t even have to be something your sibling did. If some idiot at the party messed up, that was it.
- You love hearing your parents tell your older sibling that they should know better because they were older
Well, I’d say this is a pro because if you smacked your sibling and they smacked back (harder, most of the time), you could burst into tears and watch the drama unfold. Of course, your sibling would say that you hit them first, but your mom would retaliate with a “You should know better! You could have come and told me without hurting nanga.”
- Sometimes, you want the same things as your older siblings
They are older. Of course, your brain thinks that obviously makes them cooler. Ergo, you want what they want.
