Birth Order Trait

First-born children desire control and they will typically become a compliant nurturer or a more aggressive mover and shaker. Either way parents need to remember not to demand too much of their oldest child. Make sure the child knows their parents’ expectations, because they are constantly trying to seek parental approval. I know well about the first as I am the eldest one in my siblings.

The middle child will demonstrate the greatest variety of character traits, but they will usually be opposite of their older sibling. They will try to be unique, so help them recognize their own talents. Do not compare the middle-child to their older sibling. Middle children often feel stuck in the middle so take time to listen. I find sometimes that my middle daughter gets the least attention. She is not involved in as many things as her brother and definitely doesn't demand attention like her little sister, so I have to take the time to recognize her.

Youngest children are usually very different from their older siblings. They tend to be more social and funny. They do not have as much responsibility and are more carefree. They are also often driven to catch up with their older siblings and follow in their footsteps. It is important that parents still enforce the rules when their youngest comes along. It is easy to just let things slide, but once it starts it is hard to stop. Parents often baby their youngest child because they are the last one. But it is important to teach responsibility, we do not want our youngest child feeling like they cannot or not knowing how to do anything for himself.

Only children have traits similar to oldest children but usually to a greater degree. Only children need to be given plenty of opportunities to socialize with children their own age. Although only children are often mature beyond their age do not burden the child with adult information, remember they are still a child. As with first-born children do not expect too much. Only children tend to push themselves demanding self-perfection.

With each child come different challenges and issues that a parent must face. Being aware of birth order characteristics may help us understand the child better and recognize why they possess some of the character traits that they exhibit.