Believe it or not, there is scientific proof that supports a child’s birth position within their family has unique challenges which inadvertently affect their personality. The oldest, middle, youngest, and only children possess personality traits native to their birth position. While everyone may not check off all of the boxes within a category, the majority of the general characteristics are applicable.
Interesting, right? Here is what we found.
Firstborns
Let’s be for real; firstborns are trial-and-error babies because their parents did not really know what they were doing. Parents most likely read every parenting book and attended the first-time parenting classes available on how to be the best parent; however, later, they will find out that there is no class or certification that credits someone as being the best parent. In fact, parents are more likely to waste time worrying versus enjoying parenthood.
Firstborn personality traits include reliable, meticulous, cautious, goal-oriented, and being somewhat of an overachiever.
Michelle P. Maidenberg, Ph.D., a child and family therapist in White Plains, New York, says, “They often have an intense fear of failure, so nothing they accomplish feels good enough. They’re typically inflexible – they don’t like change and are hesitant to step out of their comfort zone.” Nonetheless, most firstborns have Type A personalities.
Since firstborns are given a lot of responsibility within the home, they tend to take charge later on in life and can sometimes be bossy.
Middle Children
The middle child is oftentimes the people pleaser because they feel like they are constantly being compared to their older and younger siblings. “The middle child often feels left out and a sense of, ‘Well, I’m not the oldest. I’m not the youngest. Who am I?’” says therapist and author Meri Wallace. Since middle children feel a sense of displacement, they usually assert themselves with their peers.
Middle children are often rebellious, popular, very social, and deemed as the peacemaker.
Middle children go with the flow and possess a great understanding of negotiating and compromising – they’re able to get along with just about everyone. Linda Dunlap, Ph.D. professor of psychology at Marist College, says, “They're usually the first of their siblings to take a trip with another family or to want to sleep at a friend’s house.” Middle children are aware that they do not receive as much attention from their parents and can sometimes feel lost and seek validity.
Youngest Children
These kids are the most free-spirited and often referred to as strong-willed because they are used to living with fewer rules and regulations. Oftentimes, parents are mentally exhausted and much more lenient with the youngest child.
The youngest children are often described as very outgoing, manipulative, self-centered, and always need attention.
The youngest children are charming and more agreeable than their siblings. Oftentimes, the youngest children have the spotlight because of their adventurous spirit. Dr. Kevin Leman, a psychologist and author, says that the youngest children grapple with the feeling of not being deemed as important.
“None of their accomplishments seem original. Their siblings have already learned to talk, read, and ride a bike. So, parents react with less spontaneous joy at their accomplishments.” Younger children are creative and seek out ways to drive attention towards them.
Only Children
If a child doesn’t have anyone else to compete against, they will always have their parent’s support and resources without any distractions. While the constant attention and support is a plus, sometimes it can also be a con and emotionally cripple a child later in life.
Only children tend to be perfectionists, very mature, diligent, and excellent leaders.
Only children tend to be very well-spoken because they are surrounded by adults and most likely treated as if they are older than their age. When only children begin to develop friendships and relationships, there is a strong possibility that they struggle within their relationships because they are accustomed to receiving all of the attention and being the prime focus.
Each child is unique and is equipped with their own personality traits, but there is proven science to help better understand why an individual possesses certain traits. By understanding the birth order influence on an individual’s personality, parents (and teachers) can better interact and identify how to help children grow up and function within their everyday lives. Having more knowledge of behavioral mannerisms and tendencies can help a child cope and better understand hardships and successes.
