Middle Child Syndrome is the idea that the middle children of a family, those born in between siblings, are treated or seen differently by their parents from the rest of their siblings.
Compared to their siblings, middle children may be much more agreeable and easygoing in life. They are more extroverted, as well. They don't have to lead the pack, and they don't get the “babying” that their younger siblings do. This allows them a bit more freedom to be themselves.
Middle Child Syndrome Characteristics
To compensate for a perceived lack of attention, middle children may either act rebellious or try to people-please. Their behavior may be partially based on their older sibling's personality.
For some, birth order is one of these factors. However, the concept of middle child syndrome is not medically proven. In fact, no recent studies have found any strong correlation between birth order and specific personality traits.
In terms of the individual traits, middle kids are 6.93 percent more likely to be Feelers, and 7.23 percent less likely to be Thinkers than if personality had no relationship with your position in the family hierarchy. This is significant! There's another trait to consider here and that's Extraversion.
"It can leave many adults feeling like they're invisible and not special," says Thompson. "It can show up in relationships and can often make middle child syndrome adults feel inadequate and not worthy of love and affection. They can always have this feeling that someone else would be better."
They may be overlooked in terms of parental time, attention or special treatment. Some children may develop a habit of being extra-helpful, or always present with their parent, to ensure they get noticed. Others might show their displeasure at being overlooked by getting angry or aggressive.
Characteristics of a Middle Child
They're good at being mediators and want fairness in situations. They're also trustworthy friends and work well as team members. Not as family-oriented as their siblings. They may have a stronger sense of not belonging than their siblings do.
When you notice this happening, ask family members to treat all of the children equally or to spend a little more time with your middle child. While it may take some time for you and your family to adjust to new additions, by being fair and attentive, you can raise a really happy middle child.
Experts say a glass child is typically emotionally neglected; experience severe pressure to be problem-free and perfect; take on parental responsibilities within the family at a young age; and have an overwhelming need to make others happy.
Eldest daughter syndrome is the burden felt by oldest daughters because of their unique childhood experience. Extra duties are often given to the oldest girl in a family, leading to a shared 'syndrome' of being responsible but overburdened.
While the youngest sibling is usually the funniest kid, mom and dad favor the youngest for a reason that might surprise you. According to a new study conducted by Brigham Young University's School of Family Life, the youngest sibling of the family tends to be mom and dad's favorite child because of perception.
Middle Born
Dating you is like being dealt a wild card — it's hard to predict how the ride will turn out to be. However, most often, you're easy to get along with and you know how to listen. You don't have too big of an ego and you're not too fussed over if your partner wants pizza or fine dining for the next date.
The middle child syndrome may cause the child to resent her siblings for the attention and care they receive from their parents and others'. This could breed feelings of jealousy in the child and, in turn, cause her to treat them as rivals with whom she must compete.
Since they are given some level of independence, they can end up developing initiative and creativity. Researchers found that middle children also become more sociable and outgoing since they learn to assert themselves and speak their mind. They also have a chance of being as well-adjusted as their siblings.
Middles are used to not getting their own way, and so they become savvy, skillful manipulators. They can see all sides of a question and are empathetic and judge reactions well.
Characteristics of The Middle Child
A middle child feels obligated to compete against their siblings to receive their parents' recognition3. Due to a lack of attention, middle kids are insecure, confused, neglected, and rebellious. They are more likely to engage in delinquency4.
Popular culture imagines they are forgotten, rebellious, or unable to measure up to their older or younger siblings. In fact, stereotypes often tell us that middle children aren't as smart, connected to the family, capable as leaders, or likely to follow rules as their older or younger siblings.
Set boundaries and stick to them.
It's important to set boundaries in all relationships, including your family. As an adult middle child, you might feel like your siblings constantly pull you in different directions. But you need to prioritize your own needs and boundaries.
It becomes more emotionally important to have friends, especially of the same sex. Experience more peer pressure. Become more aware of his or her body as puberty approaches. Body image and eating problems sometimes start around this age.
Middle children tend to be more satisfied with marriage in general, but they seem to pair best with spouses who are the youngest in their family.
Some research shows that firstborn children have a higher risk of depression than middle or last born kids. Unlike firstborn kids, middles are usually under less pressure from their parents to succeed.
Middle children are less likely to be Introverts (-5.74%) and more likely to be Extraverts (+5.39%). Youngest children are very slightly more likely to be Introverts (+1.13%) than they are Extraverts (-1.07%). Only children are less likely to be Introverts (-2.23%).