We all make assumptions. When someone likes to boss everyone around or likes to give advice, they might be “the oldest child”; and someone who’s attention seeking might have “middle child syndrome”. While your birth order is not the only thing that plays a part in shaping your personality, it does have an effect.
More research is needed to determine whether birth order actually affects your personality, since there are also other factors involved, such as family dynamics, and the environment. As psychologist Frank Spinath puts it, “It is quite possible that the position in the sibling sequence shapes the personality – but not in every family in the same way.” So, if you’re curious to know how your birth order affects your personality, keep reading!
Firstborn
When you were born, your caretakers were relatively new parents who still had a lot to figure out. So you’re likely raised based on your parents’ instincts, with some trial-and-error. For many new parents, raising a child is a stressful task, so this causes them to be extremely attentive caregivers who are stringent with rules and very particular about the little things. This parenting style may cause the child to become a perfectionist, always looking to please their parents.
You might find yourself having a type A personality if you were born first in the family. As an overachiever, you have high expectations for yourself and may have a fear of failure. Taking more responsibility at home such as helping with chores or watching over your younger siblings can also lead you to be quick to take charge and come across as bossy to some. But, despite the challenges that come with being the first born, your siblings would likely view you as their role model and a trustworthy person.
Middle Child
Being born second comes with its perks, since you tend to be more diplomatic, tentative, and like to keep the peace. As many can relate, the moment the second child is born, you share everything with the older sibling. Parents might raise you with less strict rules and be less attentive since they’re not putting all of their focus on one child. This can result in people-pleasing tendencies or rebellious behaviours to try to get your parents’ attention.
The middle child is often the jokester of the family. This is because you would try to stand out among your siblings by being a social butterfly and entertainingly funny. You’re also very flexible and can adapt to any changing situation. Though it’s common for the middle child to feel left out, you tend to form stronger bonds with friends and would have a large social circle.
Youngest Child
Ahh, to be the youngest. Free spirited and easy-going, you were raised in a more laid-back way compared to your older siblings. However, this also means that you might start to think of ways to win your parents’ attention. Your agreeable personality makes you sociable and outgoing, and your adventurousness makes you more open to new experiences and adventures.
However, being the last born also means you have a lot of people you can depend on, making you a more dependent person. Always being the “baby” of the family, this may result in you being spoiled or entitled. But of course, this all depends on the family dynamic.
Only Child
With no sibling competition, you get all the attention from your parents. As a result, you may feel pressured and have high expectations for yourself, basically sharing similar traits with firstborns. Having an ambitious and independent personality, you may also come across as bossy and strong-willed.
Since you don’t have other siblings to compare or play with growing up, you may be less competitive. With the pressure of having all your parents’ support and expectations on your shoulders, you’re always told that you’re “mature for your age”, which is why you would make a great leader since you’re not afraid to take charge.
