There's no single "healthiest" sibling, as birth order affects different health aspects: firstborns might face more metabolic risks (diabetes, obesity) but stronger immune systems from older siblings' germs, while younger kids have higher infection risks but potentially fewer chronic diseases, though they're more prone to substance abuse; middle children often have good BMIs but risks like chronic fatigue syndrome; it's complex, with maternal uterine changes and parenting styles influencing outcomes for all, say researchers.
Birth order effects on health evolve over the life-cycle. Firstborns have worse health at birth. Younger siblings are more often hospitalized for conditions related to risky behavior. At old age older siblings are more often treated for metabolic syndromes.
As the youngest of 3 and having 3 kids myself. It's probably hardest being the oldest but very close to being the middle. Oldest has to take on much more responsibility to help the younger ones and expectations are always higher because they are the oldest. Youngest has it easy.
The University of Edinburgh study reported that the oldest child tends to have a higher IQ and thinking skills than their younger siblings. This is due to higher mental stimulation the first-born receives, CBS affiliate KUTV reports.
The study found that first-born siblings are more likely to survive to 100 years when compared to later-born siblings (odds ratio [OR] = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–2.66, p = 0.006).
Middle children are often labelled as 'middle child syndrome' sufferers, which entails receiving the least attention from the parents. Middle children are more likely to be willing to compromise and are typically quite competitive to keep up with their older siblings.
Women are happiest with one child
One study looked at identical twins aged 25-45. By comparing twins, researchers could ignore genetic causes for having fewer children or being depressed. They found that a woman's first child increased her happiness. But each additional child negatively effected her well-being.
According to a study from researchers from Brigham Young University's School of Family Life, it's the younger sibling that benefits the most from being the perceived favourite because they're more focussed on social comparison than their elders.
However the researchers looked at it, first-borns had, on average, an IQ of 1.5 points higher than second-born siblings, who in turn had a 1.5 higher IQ than third-borns and so on.
In population-based studies, maternal IQ is the single greatest predictor of child IQ [17]. Maternal IQ reflects not only genetic influences, but also incorporates environmental factors affecting the child.
Firstborn and only children more likely to face anxiety, depression, study finds. Birth order plays a role in mental health, according to a new study. Being the eldest sibling or being an only child may be linked to anxiety and depression in kids as young as age 8, according to a new study.
The early years (0-4) require constant attention and physical care, making this the most exhausting phase. As children enter school (5-12), their increasing independence alleviates some demands, though emotional and academic support become priorities.
“A lot of times, the youngest child can be described as very social, outgoing, fun-loving and maybe cares a little bit less about performance and some of those perfectionistic tendencies,” explains Dr. Eshleman. “But they may be an attention-seeker.”
The "3-3-3 Rule" for kids is a simple mindfulness technique to manage anxiety by grounding them in the present moment: first, name three things they can see; next, identify three sounds they hear; and finally, move three different parts of their body. This engages their senses, shifts focus from worries, and helps them regain control when feeling overwhelmed, like during test anxiety or social situations.
But here's the good news. (Yes, there is good news.) The same study that reported people without kids to be happier, said those who did have children, have higher highs and lower lows. We tend to remember the lows more easily.
The most common birth defect in the United States, a congenital heart defect results when the heart, or blood vessels near the heart, don't develop normally before birth. One in 110 babies are born with a CHD.
Well, good news for all you D.J.s out there because a new study has found that first-born children are smarter than their younger siblings – thanks to your parents.
Snoop Dogg has publicly stated he has an IQ of 147, a score that falls into the "highly gifted" or "genius" category, much to his own surprise given his self-described average school performance (straight Cs). While this self-reported score suggests exceptional intellect, IQ tests measure specific cognitive abilities, and success in life and business (like Snoop Dogg's multifaceted career as a rapper, entrepreneur, and media personality) reflects a broader range of intelligence and skills.
No, an IQ of 97 is not considered dumb; it falls squarely in the average range (90-109), indicating typical cognitive abilities, though some tests might place it slightly below the exact midpoint of 100. An IQ score of 97 means you performed better than 42% of people, and due to the test's margin of error, your score could be anywhere from the high 80s to the mid-100s, still within normal intelligence.
A household size of about four members is predictive of higher happiness levels. People in these households enjoy abundant and very satisfactory relationships. People who live on their own often experience lower levels of happiness, primarily due to lower levels of relational satisfaction.
In families with more than two kids, the youngest child may receive somewhat less attention in the early years of life because they have to “share” it with older siblings.
The 7-7-7 rule of parenting generally refers to dedicating three daily 7-minute periods of focused, undistracted connection with your child (morning, after school, bedtime) to build strong bonds and make them feel seen and valued. A less common interpretation involves three developmental stages (0-7 years of play, 7-14 years of teaching, 14-21 years of advising), while another offers a stress-relief breathing technique (7-second inhale, hold, exhale).
"70/30 parenting" refers to a child custody arrangement where one parent has the child for about 70% of the time (the primary parent) and the other parent has them for 30% (often weekends and some mid-week time), creating a stable "home base" while allowing the non-primary parent significant, meaningful involvement, but it also requires strong communication and coordination to manage schedules, school events, and disagreements effectively.
The plurality, 44% say the ideal number is two children, 29% say it is three, 12% say four, 3% saying one and 2% each saying zero, five, or six or more. Table with 2 columns and 7 rows.
Surprising Science: The 2 Ages When People Are Happiest
According to a study by the London School of Economics and Political Science, happiness tends to peak not once, but twice in life: first at age 23, and again at age 69. Yes—69!