Have you ever heard people talk about "small mummy" or "small daddy"?

That one person you can run to when Mum or Dad isn't around. The one who can easily step into their shoes without thinking twice. The one you confidently call when your parents aren't picking up. The one who gives advice, settles fights, carries responsibilities and is always willing to make sacrifices for the younger ones.

Doesn't that sound like the firstborn?

The child who has to act mature even in uncomfortable situations. The child who is expected to be well-behaved. The child who often sacrifices for the sake of the family.

Remember those things you dared not do because you feared your parents' reaction? Now your younger siblings do those same things so confidently, and your parents barely say anything. You just stand there wondering, "Wait... this can't be the same house I grew up in."

Remember the sacrifices you made for your siblings and your family. Sometimes they were appreciated, but many times they weren't.

Remember the responsibilities you carry. The burden that sits quietly on your shoulders. The expectation to stay strong, even when you're exhausted.

People see the tough version of you, but that's not the whole story. Deep down, you're still someone's child. You still long to be pampered sometimes. You still want someone to tell you, "Rest, I've got this."

Nobody talks about the phone calls asking for money you don't even have, yet you somehow find a way to provide it. Nobody talks about paying other people's bills while postponing your own needs. Nobody talks about borrowing money just to keep everyone else comfortable. Nobody talks about leaving home to build a better life while carrying your family in your heart every single day.

Dear firstborns, words can never fully capture all that you do. I don't think anyone has ever created an award big enough to recognize the role you play. You deserve every bit of the love you give so freely.

But here's something I hope you never forget: you are allowed to rest.

Take that break.

Go on that adventure you've been postponing.

Buy yourself that little treat.

Switch off your phone for a while if you need to.

Sleep without feeling guilty.

Laugh loudly.

Ask for help.

Allow yourself to be cared for too.

You don't always have to be the strong one.

Being the firstborn doesn't mean you stopped being someone's child.

So today, to every "small mummy" and "small daddy"—every firstborn, whether male or female—we see you. We appreciate your sacrifices, your strength, your quiet resilience, and the love you give so selflessly.

You are doing better than you think.

And for once, let someone take care of you too.

You deserve it.