As great as being the little sibling is, it has its own drawbacks, and no one warned us about that. We receive hand-me-downs, we are always referred to as "so-and-so's little brother or sister," and worst of all—no one takes our opinions seriously. We might be saying the most profound thing of the century, and yet, all we receive is a distracted nod from our elder siblings or a "not now" from our parents.

Being ignored can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you have valuable insights to offer. But don’t worry—there are ways to make yourself heard without resorting to dramatic table-flipping (tempting as it may be). Here’s how:

1. Own Your Voice: Confidence is the key. Even if your older siblings brush aside your ideas, continue to voice them. The more you voice your opinion, the more they'll know that you have something to contribute. Consistency is your friend in this case—eventually, they'll begin to notice that you do make sense.

2. Choose the Right Moment: If you're attempting to make a point when your brother is in the middle of a Netflix binge or your parents are doing a million things, you may as well be speaking to a wall. Timing is key. Catch them at a quiet moment when they're more likely to listen.

3. Make It Unignorable: At other times, the most effective way to make people listen is to tell them something so surprising or insightful that they need to pause and pay attention. Share a trivia fact at dinner, frame your argument in an innovative manner, or even make a joke—it's difficult to ignore someone who can make you laugh.

4. Flip the Script: Ever noticed how parents or older siblings enjoy offering advice? Turn it around—ask them questions that require them to think. Getting them involved in a dialogue where they get to be heard can make them more likely to return the favour.

5. Take a Deep Breath and Accept What You Can’t Change: Ultimately, there are some older siblings who will never stop thinking of you as their 'baby' sibling, and parents may always have the tendency to favour the opinion of the older child. It's maddening, but don't base your self-esteem on it. Look for other places—friends, teachers, mentors—where your voice will be heard.

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