Effects of Birth Order on Children

The effects of birth order on the middle child

Unlike the first born, the middle child has to earn attention from there parents, these children are also more competitive in everything they do to gain the upper hand, even more so than the eldest sibling. Middle children are more diplomatic according to the article. They have a relatively big social group, but they can also be manipulative. Some of them are also forced to assume responsibilities that their elder siblings weren’t able to fulfill thus; they can mediate between characteristics of first borns and youngest children. ‘Research indicates that middle children seem to be more relaxed and impartial than their older and younger siblings. They sometimes feel “squeezed” and accordingly develop characteristics that help them negotiate—and sometimes manipulate—their place in the family environment. Because of their ability to play diplomat and peacemaker, they appear to have balanced personalities.’ Middle children tend to be flexible, diplomatic, independent, balanced, resourceful, generous and usually the opposite of their older sibling. Their parents are more relaxed and less strict with the later born child. They try to establish a place for themselves separate from their older siblings, and so tend to be more creative. The later born child can be rebellious, but also are pleasant, agreeable and easy going. Unlike the first born, they generally don’t excel at school and aren’t concerned with achievement. They’re rebellious, creative, unconventional and always feel like the baby, even in when they are adults. But they can also be practical and competitive, though they can constantly feel like the underdog.

The effects of birth order on the last child

The last child gets it easy as it is claimed by the article. The reason for this is that even though the last child comes after two others it gets a lot of attention, simply because they are so good at earning it. Having to compete for their parents attention, the youngest has good coping mechanisms in place. They get special privileges and more relaxed parents, but because of this they tend to have less self-control. The youngest child can be a risk-taker, a joker and an exhibitionist. They are humorous and charming but also fresh and somewhat over the top. Youngest children are entertaining and know how to get noticed, Jerry Springer is a perfect example. Also Being the last kid, the child gets it easy; they don’t have to go through the same trials as the first two kids. The last child gets treated like the baby of the family, and usually gets what it wants. Also most last children act the role of the ‘baby’ as a way to get more attention from their parents. These kids also usually tend to have flair for comedy. According to a Norwegian study done in 2007, the youngest child has on average the lowest IQ of the three, and tend to be more right brained.  ‘As the “babies” of their families, youngest children often do not get enough credit for their accomplishments. Consequently, they may rebel or simply stop trying to please authority figures. Youngest children typically acquire wonderful social skills because of their interactions with older siblings. They are generally charming, playful, and sometimes a little absent-minded.’