Traits of middle and youngest child

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Middle Child - Many have heard of the "middle child syndrome" and the difficulties these children can present. Considering the significant changes they deal with early in life, it's no wonder they could become frustrated or resentful. Not only do they lose their "youngest child" status, but they also have to share their attention with older and younger siblings. Middle children of bigger families often aren't as competitive as single middle children, since their parents' attention is spread thinner. Middle children in bigger families are more prone to using cooperation to get what they want. Middle child traits include:

• Can feel life is unfair

• Can be even-tempered

• May feel unloved or left out

• Doesn't have the rights and responsibilities of the oldest sibling or the privileges of the youngest.

• Adaptable

• Impatient

• Outgoing and rambunctious

• Learns to deal with both older and younger siblings

• Treating younger siblings rougher

• Feel "squeezed" in the family environment

Youngest Child - The last born child cannot be dethroned by a younger sibling. The "baby" of the family tends to get more attention from parents, since the older siblings are developing and becoming more independent. Traits of the youngest child:

• Charming and outgoing

• Attention seeker

• Can behave like the only child

• Feels inferior- like everyone is bigger or more capable

• Expects others to make decisions and take responsibility

• May not be taken seriously

• Can become "speedier" in development to catch up to other siblings

Other Factors Influencing Birth Order Personality - As we all know, each family is different and has unique dynamics. Birth order alone will not determine the complexities of one's personality. As child and family develop and evolve, certain circumstances may impact the personality of a child.

Blended or Step-Families - When two parents remarry, especially when children are in their formative years, the family unit goes through a period of disorientation and competition. For example, two firstborns in the new family will search for their "place" and may compete to keep their "first born status."

Differences in Ages - When there are gaps of three or more years between siblings, it is common for the birth order to restart. In a family with many children, this could create birth order subgroups.

Health and Mental Issues - A child born with significant physical or neurodevelopmental disabilities can remain in the "youngest" position regardless of the birth order. This impacts the psychological birth order position of the other children.

Gender of Siblings - The most psychological competition occurs between children of the same gender similar in ages.

Death of A Sibling - The impacts of a child's death are devastating for families. This includes the personalities of the surviving siblings. Some children may adapt by developing overindulgent tendencies. Also, a glorification of the deceased child can occur- where other siblings could never live up to the pristine image of the deceased sibling.

Adoption - An adopted child often has special circumstances in the family dynamic. For parents with difficulties conceiving, having an adopted child may be seen as a special gift. These parents have a greater tendency to spoil or overindulge the child. When an adopted child comes into an established family, he or she may find difficulties fitting into the dynamic. Emotional struggles due to not being wanted by birth parents and not fitting in with biological siblings are common. Sometimes these feelings of inadequacy warrant therapy.’ (Source)

Let’s continue - Research says that birth order can shape your personality

Start at the beginning – Tiffi learns all about birth order