Dear Bella,
As the eldest, I was always told just that, my siblings were my responsibility, as I was the eldest (or just 'first born' as per father). Sadly, my sister was a clone of my mother, which truly saddens me, even though she has wronged me, as I loved her. So, in that sense, I am truly grateful to be the eldest as 'Maude the Mule' as the alternative is not one I would relish.
Oh, my goodness, the meals; my brother would get steak and I would get fish fingers!! (mind you I prefer fish, maybe, that's why!). My brother could not even cook an egg, and never made a cup of tea, that was 'Maude's' job, and he had to have his favorite biscuits, which was in 'his biscuits tin' separate to the family biscuit tin. Honestly. The reality is, that to me then at that time, I simply thought that this was the norm.
Staying up to watch television was allowed for my brother, as sport programmes were vital for his life, whereas, I was packed off to bed, mind you, I was always tired and happy to go anyway, simply because the peace was a respite and haven.
Sounds like life in previous centuries, odd thing is, still ongoing today in many families, I feel sure.
Love, Leah