Studies suggest the oldest sibling tends to be slightly smarter, often scoring higher on IQ tests due to more initial parental attention, richer vocabulary, and the "tutor effect" from teaching younger ones, though these are averages and family dynamics vary greatly. First-borns get more undivided focus early on, fostering cognitive skills, but middle/youngest children develop different strengths, so individual differences trump birth order for actual intelligence.
A groundbreaking new study has confirmed what older siblings have been saying for years, the youngest sibling is almost always the least intelligent. Researchers found that last-born children consistently rank lower in common sense, decision-making, and the ability to locate objects that are right in front of them.
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.
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.
11 Combinations of Siblings for the Happiest Family Life
The strongest bond you have as siblings is growing up together.. If by chance, any of your blood brother or sister was taken to village or city to live with others for years, while you live with your parents, that bond is somewhat already affected. This is the danger of seperating children.
Think the perfect combination of children for happy as Larry parents is a boy and a girl? Whilst 'one of each' sounds tempting, according to British parenting website Bounty, happiness lies with having two girls!
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.
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.
Based on the study's questions, roughly two-thirds of the parents had a preferred child. And that favorite sibling often stayed the same over decades. There was no set of qualities that guaranteed being the golden child, but the favorites tended to be daughters and younger siblings.
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.
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.
— For nearly 27 years, Andy Torrey was an only child. That is, until he bought an at-home DNA test and he results told him otherwise. "It's the craziest thing that could ever happen to anyone, you know?" the Georgia man remarked. He has found 30 half brothers and sisters: all products of the same sperm donor.
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 a newly revised working paper published in the National Bureau of Economic Research, scientists have found “remarkably consistent” data that second-born kids are significantly more likely to get into trouble than their older or younger siblings, regardless of how big the family is.
Equatorial Guinea is ranked as the country with the lowest average IQ according to the latest global studies. Key facts include: Average IQ score: 56 (World Population Review, 2024)
Studies have shown that intelligence has a genetic component, but they have not conclusively identified any single genes that have major roles in differences in intelligence. It is likely that intelligence involves many genes that each make only a small contribution to a person's intelligence.
Over 125 - Only 5% of people have an IQ this high. Over 130 - Only 2.5% of people have an IQ this high. Over 135 - You are in the top 1%. raw IQ score.
Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump: At an early age, Forrest is deemed to have a below-average IQ of 75. He has an endearing character and shows devotion to his loved ones and duties, character traits that bring him into many life-changing situations.
A University of Edinburgh study shows first-born children have higher IQs and better thinking skills than their siblings. The study says that shows first-born kids get more mental stimulation than their brothers and sisters.
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.
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.
Mary Jonas (1814–1899) gave birth to 33 children, including 15 sets of boy–girl twins. All were christened, but few reached adulthood.
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.
Parents tend to favor younger siblings, daughters, and the more agreeable—often without realizing it. New research from BYU highlights how subtle parental preferences—based on birth order, personality, and gender—can shape sibling relationships and family dynamics.