First Born Fuck Ups

When parents tell you that they love you equally, that might be true. But they sure as well don't treat you equally. I am the baby of the family. You'd think I'd get away with almost anything. Nope. Because I apparently seem to have everything together, my parents feel the need to help more with my sibling. I have to see what my sibling's schedule is like so that *I* don't interfere.

So the other day I asked if one or both of my parents could watch my son for a morning. I didn't want to add fuel to the fire of my husband complaining about not getting <gasp> anything done <gasp> around the place. So I thought I would at least have a plan B in place.

You know what I got for an answer? It wasn't the resounding YES that I was expecting.   I saw red almost instantly and blocked out a portion of the conversation.

You see, I wouldn't mind so much but my parents already ditched out on me and my son earlier in the week. Now instead of staying until evening on their specified Grandma and Grandpa day, they rush out the door the minute I show up. Why? Because they have other plans.

But the following day when they have their Grandma and Grandpa day with my sibling, they bend over backwards. They were spending the night because my sibling asked them to. Well, it was "work" related. So of COURSE they had to help out. So when I was told that my parents didn't want to watch my son but they were willing to spend extra time with my sibling's children, I really started seeing the light.

It's not only my family that plays favorites to the eldest child. My husband's family is exactly the same way. The second child (ie, baby of the family) is considered just another member of the family. I'm not sure if it's first baby syndrome or if the first child in the family is a total fuck up (or should I say "needs to make better choices"), but no matter the case, the parents view the second child as having it altogether. So instead of spending equal time, they pamper the one they think needs more help (ie, first child), even if said child can't make good choices.

It's frustrating beyond belief. I said that my son would never play second fiddle to his cousins. And I'll make damn sure of it. I've already cut two family members out of my life. Guess I'm going to have to start coming up with more than Plan A and Plan B solutions.