Traits of birth order

_Elsa_

Over at Elsa’s house, she remembers studying Alfred Adler when she was in college so she decides to do some googling to help Tiffi. She finds an article that breaks each birth order down. 

‘The following traits are general examples of how birth order and personality are related. Of course, many other factors could impact the development of a child's personality; some will be discussed later.

Only Children - These children tend to get much more attention from adults than a child with siblings. This means many of their early interactions involve individuals significantly older than them. These interactions can make them feel like "tiny adults," and they can seem more mature than peers with siblings. Traits include:

• Confidence

• Mature for their age

• Sensitive

• Uses adult language

• Self-centered

• Pampered and often spoiled

• Enjoys being the center of attention

• Feels unfairly treated when not getting their own way

• May refuse to cooperate with others

• Desire to be more like adults, so may not relate well with peers

• Can be manipulative to get their way

First Child - Since the firstborn child is used to being an only child until the little brother or sister comes along, he or she may exhibit some of the characteristics of an only child. Also, the firstborn may have these birth order personality traits:

• Achiever and leader

• Feels must have superiority over other children

• May have difficulty when the second child is born, such as feeling unloved or neglected

• Can be controlling and focused on being correct

• Uses good (or bad) behavior to regain parents' attention

• Bossy or authoritarian

• Strives to please others

• Reliable

• Can be protective or helpful towards others

Second Child - The second child and middle children began their lives, sharing the attention of their parents with the firstborn. By having an older sibling as a role model, the second child often tries to catch up with them. Adler believes the second child is most likely to be better adjusted in life. A second child could be:

• More competitive

• Lacking the undivided attention of parents

• A people pleaser

• A peacemaker

• Developing abilities the first child doesn't exhibit to gain attention

• Rebellious

• Independent’ (Source)

Let’s continue - Traits of middle and youngest child

Start at the beginning – Tiffi learns all about birth order