<p>As the oldest child of single mom, I've spent so much time over these last four years taking care of my younger siblings while my mom works(she works long hours and travels frequently as well too). I want to include this on my resume and talk about this on my application but idk how? On my resume I created a familial responsibilities section and i listed in detail all my responsibilities but should I also include something about being the oldest child in a single parent household? or is that something i should save for the additional comments section on the common app.</p>
<p>Are you talking of a resume for college admissions or a resume to apply for a job?
If for college: it’s part of the “activities” you can detail on the common app (it’s got its own category). You have to detail whether what you did involved cooking, supervising homework, getting to/back from school, cleaning, ironing, disciplining, going to parent/teacher conferences, registering siblings for clubs/activities, caring for an elderly relative (including or not - feeding, talking to, making limbs move, applying cream for bedsores, etc).</p>
<p>If it’s to apply for a job it depends on the job. I wouldn’t include it if you’re going to work at a fastfood place or in retail.</p>
<p>@MITer94 I was apprehensive to do so at first myself but i considered it because the common app does have a “activities section” and one of the options you can select is “familial responsibilities”. </p>
<p>@MYOS1634 Yes this is for college and teacher recommendations only. and thanks for reminding me to specify, i did most of those things you listed,(esp cooking!) </p>
<p>Hi!
If you’re giving your teachers some information so that they can accurately portray you in the letters of recommendation, this is absolutely useful information. I would write them a little note talking about yourself/explaining who you are beyond your numbers and even resume. Maybe discuss your motivations, aspirations, and your home responsibilities!</p>
<p>I totally disagree with MITer, this should absolutely be treated like a job when you have extensive responsibilities at home more than normal. List in activities and make sure you show all the hours and the level of responsibility such as solo primary care when mom is traveling is noted. You can use the additional info to add some details. This is important because it shows where your time is spent and you will be given consideration for that because you can’t do normal EC in that time. Let them know fully.</p>