It is both interesting and beneficial to learn what roles children play in the family in relation to their birth order. Just because children are born within the same family does not mean they are born into the same position. A child’s birth position can have an effect on the child’s behavior and personality.
First-Born Children/Only Children
First-born children are often more motivated than later born children and often pursue and get professional jobs in fields such as law and medicine. First-born children are born into a treasured position but can also have high expectations put upon them to achieve.
Being the center of attention can be wonderful, but can also be a position of much pressure. Parents are often stricter on their first-borns, tending to loosen up their discipline with later-born children. Only children share similar characteristics to first-borns.
Second-Born Children/Middle Children
Naturally, second-born children are influenced by their elder sibling but they generally have a very different personality. While the first-born child is often well behaved and responsible, the second-born child can be mischievous/naughty, gregarious and easygoing.
The second or middle child misses out on some of the perks of being a first-born and doesn’t get the ‘cruisy’ ride that the youngest sibling often gets. Middle children often have great negotiation and people skills. It is important for parents to make sure they spend time with just the middle child and make them feel just as special as their siblings.
Last-Born Children /Youngest Children
Youngest children are often charmers and manipulators used to getting their own way. They are lucky in that their elder siblings have ‘broken their parents in’ and they seem to get away with a more. The youngest child doesn’t face the pressures of first-borns and are often babied and spoiled.
The youngest or last-born children are outgoing, affectionate and uncomplicated. Due to lack of parental pressure, last-born children will strive to achieve their goals in their own way. Because elder siblings are often more responsible around the house, last-born children can develop a ‘serve me’ type attitude. Parents should ensure that last-borns have household chores and responsibilities too.
The birth order of a child is only a predictor of behavioral and personality traits. However, it is helpful for parents to understand the positions when raising children or considering expanding the family.
You may also be interested in reading Having More Than One Child.
Roberta Goli - Roberta has a Bachelor of Science Degree (Zoology), has worked with animals for over 10 years and enjoys writing short stories and flash ...
