If you scream, slap, tattle tail, or “steal” on a daily basis, you know what it’s like to have an older sibling. The relationship is both a blessing and a curse.

Growing up as the youngest of three, I had to learn the hard way how to stand up to the big kids and avoid getting in trouble with them at all costs. As I watch the sibling relationships in Modern Family and listen to my friends’ complaints about their older siblings, I know I am not alone in the battle. For anyone still learning how to get along with their older sister or brother, let expert younger siblings, Sam Kahn and me help you out.

1. Fighting Dirty

You need to take advantage of being the younger, smaller one. It might be unfair, but cheap shots must be taken. For people who don’t know what cheap shots are, here’s a definition from Urban Dictionary: Scoring a hit on someone in their weak point or scoring a hit on someone when their back is turned. This is usually a sign of cowardice.

When your older sibling is on the verge of punching you in the jaw because you just had to change the television channel, back away, and surrender to their great fury. What they think is a surrender was really just an act because before they know it, you’ll be the one taking the swings. They don’t know what’s coming for them. This is a technique Kahn uses on a regular basis.

When cheap shots are not an option and you are left vulnerable, be strong like a bear.

Living in Aspen, it’s general protocol to know how to make a safe getaway from a bear.

“Don’t look it in the eye, stand up tall, and back away slowly,” Kahn explained. The same thing goes for older siblings. I, personally, am usually the bear in the situation.

2. Deny until you die

It’s 7:30 a.m., fifteen minutes before my sister and I have to leave for school, and I still don’t have a shirt to wear! There is only one option left to remain on time for first period: take one of my sister’s shirts. I walk into her room nonchalantly as she stands in her bathroom straightening her hair, already dressed. As I’m talking to her about whatever topic comes to mind first, I snag a top from her dresser, and leave no trace.

The problem is, she unexpectedly needs a ride home from my mom! My jacket is in the back of the car, and she sees my revealed shirt. The best option is to lie, and say it was misplaced in my room, so I grabbed not realizing it was hers.

Never accept guilt. “Deny until you die” will be your best friend in a case like this. As they stare you down interrogating you, stay strong willed, power through, and look them in the eyes as you deny your crime just like you would with the bear.

3. Learn from them

The older sibling has wisdom to share with you. Maybe not so much wisdom as experience. Take advantage of this by listening to their advice and learning from their mistakes.

From crushes to reputation, they have so much to share with you as they have already experienced it all. Not only can you listen to their advice about subjects like these, but you can learn from their mistakes involving them. If you don’t, then you will probably regret it because you had the chance right in front of you.

My sister will get upset with me when I go ahead without listening to her tips. She might even use the “I told you so” bit.

4. Stand up for them

No matter what, siblings always have each other’s backs. Testify for them when your parents ask if what they say is true, and swoop in when they seem like they’re having trouble getting out of a sticky situation. Not only will this build your trust, but they will have your back in times of need as well.

This has saved my butt at some times. Like when my parents asked if I saw my untrained dog’s pee on the floor and didn’t clean it, my sister will stick up for because she knows I have done it plenty of times for her.
If you follow these critical steps, you will be set for life. Older siblings can be intimidating, but can never be too tough for you. Stay tiny but mighty! Not only will you be stronger than them, but you won’t stumble in life as much because you listen to them. Anyways, taking advantage of them are what siblings are for, aren’t they?