Why Does the Middle Child Always Get Blamed?
The phenomenon of the “middle child syndrome” is one that has perplexed parents and psychologists for decades. The assumption is that middle children are more likely to feel overlooked, less favored, and take on particular personality traits as a result of their birth order. But why does this assumption exist? And is there any truth to the idea that middle borns inherently get the short end of the stick in families?
Background on Birth Order Theory
The concept of “birth order theory” suggests that a child’s personality and behaviors are shaped by the order in which they are born in their family. First proposed by psychologists like Alfred Adler in the 1920s, birth order theory states that different birth orders tend to display certain characteristics.
For example:
- Oldest children are thought to be responsible, controlling, and achievement-oriented. As the firstborn, they are trailblazers and often have a leadership mentality.
- Youngest children are viewed as charming, creative, and attention-seeking as they try to catch up with their older siblings.
- Middle children are considered people-pleasers who are often sociable, independent, and feel “squeezed” between the first and last born.
The Plight of the Middle Child
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the heart of the issue: why does the middle child get the blame or short end of the stick so often according to birth order theory?
Several reasons have been suggested over time:
1. Less time as the baby of the family
The oldest child enjoys a period of being an only child and the adored baby of the family before siblings arrive. The youngest also gets to remain the baby throughout childhood. Middle children have a much shorter time being the youngest in the family before a new sibling shows up. This may contribute to their sense of being overlooked.
2. Feeling lost in the shuffle
With older and younger siblings taking up attention, the middle child often feels they disappear into the background. Their achievements and milestones don’t feel as exciting or novel to parents. This may lead to middle children thinking they are underappreciated compared to their siblings.
3. Responsibility without privileges
Unlike oldest children who take on leadership roles, middle borns gain responsibilities without the perks of being the oldest or youngest. This sense of responsibility without privileges can make them feel put-upon and resentful of their place in the family.
4. Parental expectations
Parental expectations often peak with the oldest child, then decline slightly by the time the middle child comes around. Some researchers suggest this leads to middle children being more likely to be neglected or take on negative attention-getting behaviors.
5. Comparison and competitiveness
Middle children often grapple with comparisons against their siblings – older ones who came first and younger ones who came last. This can breed resentment and make middle children feel like they don’t measure up.
6. Peer bonding challenges
Some research indicates middle children may have challenges forming peer bonds outside the family since they gravitate toward friendships with older and younger kids. This can exacerbate feelings of not belonging.
Is the Stigma Accurate?
Now the question is, does the real evidence support the idea that middle children uniformly draw the short stick and struggle because of their birth order? The answers are mixed.
Some studies do indicate middle children tend to possess the typically cited traits like feeling undervalued, being agreeable but competitive, and longing for attention. However, large-scale research doesn’t necessarily show clear disadvantages for middle borns across factors like intelligence, mental health, or overall life satisfaction.
In fact, some interesting counterpoints exist:
- Middle children tend to develop strong interpersonal skills by bridging the gap between older and younger siblings.
- They benefit from hand-me-downs and being given more independence earlier on.
- Modern families are smaller, giving middle borns ample parental attention.
- Gender, age gaps, family situations, and personality variables within families also play a major role.
So while middle child syndrome may hold some truth, it does not appear to be an inevitability or a firmly fixed rule.
Tips for Parents
If you want to make sure your middle child’s needs are met, here are some proactive parenting tips:
- Spend one-on-one time – Make special alone time to bond. Bring them on solo errands or dates.
- Acknowledge milestones – Mark their achievements and milestones enthusiastically. Display photos and art.
- Find shared interests – Find hobbies or activities you only do with the middle child.
- Let them carve their niche – Encourage their passions and let them choose activities that make them unique.
- Minimize comparisons – Avoid comparisons with siblings and emphasize their individuality.
- Make them feel heard – Check in often and make them feel comfortable opening up.
Conclusion
In summary, middle child syndrome is a well known pop psychology concept, but may not represent absolute destiny. With mindful, positive parenting, middle borns can avoid feeling marginalized and instead feel just as valued and appreciated for their unique selves, gifts, and talents. The key is giving them attention, acknowledging their place in the family, and celebrating exactly who they are as individuals. With care and intention, middle children most certainly can thrive and feel just as special within their families.