Birth Order

The following characteristics will not apply to all children in every family. Typical characteristics, however, can be identified:

 

Only

• Child Pampered and spoiled.


• Feels incompetent because adults are more capable.


• Is center of attention; often enjoys position. May feel special.


• Self-centered.


• Relies on service from others rather than own efforts


• Feels unfairly treated when doesn't get own way. 


•  May refuse to cooperate


• Plays "divide and conquer" to get own way

 
 

First Child

• Is only child for period of time; used to being center


• of attention.


• Believes must gain and hold superiority over other children.


• Being right, controlling often important.


• May respond to birth of second child by feeling unloved and neglected.


• Strives to keep or regain parents' attention through conformity. If this failed, chooses to misbehave.


• May develop competent, responsible behavior or become very discouraged.


• Sometime strives to protect and help others. 


• Strives to please 

Second Child

• Never has parents' undivided attention.


• Always has sibling ahead who's more advanced.


• Acts as if in race, trying to catch up or overtake first child.


• If first child is "good," second may become "bad." Develops abilities first child doesn't exhibit. If first child successful, may feel uncertain of self and abilities.


• May be rebel.


• Often doesn't like position.


• Feels "squeezed" if third child is born.


• May push down other siblings.

Middle Child of Three

• Has neither rights of oldest nor privileges of youngest.


• Feels life is unfair.


• Feels unloved, left out, "squeezed."


• Feels doesn't have place in family.


• Becomes discouraged and "problem child" or elevates self by pushing down other siblings.


• Is adaptable.


• Learns to deal with both oldest and youngest sibling.

Youngest Child

• Behaves like only child.


• Feels every one bigger and more capable.


• Expects others to do things, make decisions, take responsibility.


• Feels smallest and weakest. May not be taken seriously.


• Becomes boss of family in getting service and own way.


• Develops feelings of inferiority or becomes "speeder" and  overtakes older siblings.


• Remains "The Baby." Places others in service. 


• If youngest of three, often allies with oldest child against middle child. 

 

Source:  http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/birth_order.shtml