The family is a complex organization of people in which the members have different roles. If the age of the oldest child is more than five years of the age youngest one has, their style life is going to be completely different and probably it develops a natural rivalry. Depending on the age of the siblings, there are four important differences between them: responsibilities, discipline, education, and duties.
In one hand the oldest child has a lot of responsibilities because he or she has a lot of objectives in his life. He has to go out with his friends, practice a sport, study for college, and even help his little brother or sister. In terms of discipline, the oldest sibling is not a problem because he or she has a higher maturity. That means he or she has no interest in fight with his brother or sister. For example: the oldest child practices some sports and does not spend time bothering his sibling because he prefers to go out and practice. Another point is education that for the oldest child means more difficulty and less time. Primary school is really easy to handle. On the contrary, high school and university are two of the most difficult phases in life where people know themselves and what they want. Finally, the oldest sibling has to do his own duties, and help with home duties in order to receive money from his parents. If he wants more money, he has to look for a job.
On the other hand the youngest sibling has no responsibilities at all; he or she just has to play with his toys and ask for food. Also, the youngest child usually has not discipline because is the little one so everybody consent him and do not care about his attitude. Indeed, there is a big change between the punishment that parents gave to the last child and the first or older child. For example, the youngest child can mourn until the parents agree to give him what he wants. Unlike the oldest sibling, the youngest sibling has no difficulties in school, because everyone can help him. In fact, the homework and exams are very easy to do nowadays because technology brings a lot of information. Finally, the youngest sibling does not have to do her duties nor help with home duties because he or she is very “small” to do chores on his own.
In summary, live with a sibling that has a difference in age of five years or more makes an instant rivalry between them. The responsibilities, discipline, education and duties are completely different from one sibling to another and their relation is going to be problematic.