The Hierarchy of Birth Order

I was  talking to my mom about what to write my next blog on and we got interrupted by a call from her sister. They began their typical banter of how my mom always got the pretty blue dress and my aunt the ugly brown, and how my mom had no rules but my aunt got all the attention. Annoying as that was, it gave me a good idea. In psychology we learned all about the order of children and how personalities are developed by it. 

Oldest siblings tend to be dominant, leaders in their environment. Practically all of our presidents have been the eldest child, or the first-born male in their families (DeBroff). Parents are the most nervous and anticipatory about the first child. As they begin to expand the family with one or more children a middle child appears. The 'middle child syndrome' really does exist. These kids feel like they have to struggle for the spotlight and get shafted when it comes to attention. The last-born or youngest child is when the parents are the most relaxed with the parting styles and they tend to spoil the baby of the family rotten. 

I think this is a really fun subject because the evidence supporting these theories is obvious. My brother (the oldest) is neurotic and authoritative. I (the youngest) am easy-going and, hard to say no to when it comes to my mom. In my mom the facts are clearly exemplified also. Many middle children are artsy and creative, but they are fickle in their tasks. She is all of the above. Think about people you know...can you tell what number they are?

DeBroff, Stacy. "What are the Effects of the Middle Child Syndrome?"  MSNBC Interactive. August 14 2008. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14335112/ December 2, 2008.