Birth order isn’t true in every situation, but these associations have arisen over time and many do identify with the traits.
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“It’s based on ‘birth order theory’ that was originally posited by Alfred Adler in the 1920s,” Dr. Welsh explains. “According to Adler, a child’s family positioning would lead to certain personality characteristics, with oldest children often taking on leadership qualities, youngest children being playful or rebellious and middle children being wanting of attention and/or playing a peacekeeping role.”
Although middle child syndrome has made its way into current-day lingo, Dr. Welsh cautions that there isn’t enough “robust data” to fully back up the ideas of birth order theory. She says that experts know that personality traits are about 50% heritable, and the rest is made up of what is called “nurture,” but that doesn’t solely include family positioning.
“While some may feel overlooked, many middle children develop resilience, independence and strong social skills that benefit them throughout life,” she explains.
3 Signs of Middle Child Syndrome
Perhaps you’re worried that your middle child might develop middle child syndrome. First of all, remember that the word “syndrome” is in this case used anecdotally rather than as a medical or psychological diagnosis. But since some middle children can feel forgotten about, there are certain signs you can watch for, as Dr. Welsh details:
2. Struggling to find their place
“With siblings ahead and behind, it can sometimes be harder for middle children to figure out what is unique or special to them,” Dr. Welsh explains.
3. Seeming as if they aren’t receiving enough attention
Related: What Your Sibling Birth Order Reveals About Your Love Language, According to Psychologists
Many caregivers don’t even realize that they’re doing these things, but there are some approaches parents and grandparents can turn to in order to prevent so-called middle child syndrome.
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Related: 13 Things Psychologists Are Begging Parents and Grandparents To Stop Saying to a Middle Child
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Dr. Anne Welsh, PhD, PMH-C, RPLC, ACC, clinical psychologist and executive coach Read More Details
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