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Your sister is a natural leader and always taking care of others; your brother, the most introverted of the bunch, is the peacemaker of the family. And you? You’re fun-loving and adventurous.
Were you and your siblings just born this way? Are these your natural personalities? Or do they have something to do with your birth order?
It’s thought that at least half of our personality is the temperament we are born with. However, birth order has been found to have a significant impact on a child’s personality, both because of the natural effects of being born first, second, or third, as well as how parents treat their kids as a result of their position in the family.
Here are some of the main characteristics of first, second, and third children.
Firstborn child
Parents are often extremely attentive and cautious with their firstborn. As a result, firstborn children can become perfectionists, always seeking to please their parents. Firstborns also tend to help their parents take care of their younger siblings, which can make them more responsible and protective.
Firstborn children tend to be:
- Ambitious
- Conscientious
- Reliable
- Structured
- Controlling
- More attuned to outside world
Second/Middle Child
Parents often loosen up a bit with their second child. They may not feel the need to constantly make sure their child is still alive, and they may not respond to each accomplishment with quite the same wonder. Because of this, second children may not become as much of a perfectionist but they might seek out attention more and be more competitive than their older sibling.
Middle children tend to be more cooperative, understanding, and flexible. They’re also interested in fairness. And as middle children tend to receive the least attention, they often choose a group of friends that represents their extended family; these friends give them the attention they may lack in their immediate family.
Second children tend to be:
- Peacemakers
- A little rebellious
- People-pleasers
- Social butterflies
They often:
- Have large social circles
- Are concerned with fairness
- Thrive on friendships
Third/Youngest Child
By the time parents have their third child, they usually have this parenting thing down, and as a result, they are more lenient and don’t watch the third child’s every move. This gives child number three more freedom and independence. And, like the oldest child, youngest children are made to feel special and entitled.
The entertainment industry is filled with youngest children; there are many actors, directors, writers, and comedians who are the babies of the family.
Youngest children tend to be:
- Outgoing
- Charming
- Fun-loving
- Attention-seeking
- Manipulative
- Risk-takers
What order are you in your family? Are these characterizations accurate? Let us know below!
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