Birth Order and Personality....

With the impending birth of my third child, I've been thinking a lot about birth order and whether or not it affects personality. I must admit, I've often noticed that first borns tend to be "people pleasers".

I've heard OTHERS say the following...the oldest child is responsible, the middle child is diplomatic and the "baby" is the rebel. And what about the "only" child? Some may argue, forever spoiled.

Personality is apparantely the result of a number of factors. Genetics, education, social and economic environment. Any number of life experiences all play a part in shaping who we are.

So why do so many people think birth order has an effect on who we are today? Most psychologists agree that personality has something to do with what went on when we were kids.

How do your personailty traits compare to those associated with certain birth-order positions? Read on!

First Born:The oldest are the only kids in the family (for a little while anyway). Because Mom and Dad are new to the game of parenting, they tend to have high expectations. That can rub off on the first born. (Remember, I mentioned "people pleasers" earlier on). It's said that oldest kids tend to stick to family rules and they tend to be conservative and responsible.


Middle Child:"They", say the typical middle child is the good-natured, empathetic peacemaker.


The "Baby":Last borns, are finding a way to assert their individuality. It's all about finding your own way because you're coming into the world where your surroundings have already been created for you. It's said, that the youngest tend to be more rebellious and more likely to take risks.


I laugh over the youngest kids "taking more risks". That's my baby brother, who took more risks because he knew he could get away with it. He never had a curfew, but I did! Maybe that's cuz he's a boy....and a whole OTHER topic!

Have a great week,

Erin