The first-born child is the experiment. The parents had never been parents to a real child before. They try their utmost to not make mistakes. Schedules are maintained, attention is given, and parental teamwork is essential. Without other siblings around to look up to, the sole role model is the parent. The one person who is in charge of the child’s survival. And thus, perfectionism is born.
In 2007, nearly 250,000 young Norwegian adults were studied. It was discovered that, on average, older siblings had higher IQ scores than their younger siblings. A follow up study by the same authors found that the actual average for first-borns versus their younger siblings was 2.3 IQ points higher.
Additionally, there is evidence that older siblings tend to be more family-oriented, obedient, and respectful.
Are you actually siblings?
As a DNA testing company, we can say that a siblings DNA test a test that gets requested relatively often. The test is used to establish whether siblings share both biological parents or just one parent – or perhaps none. The test is done by means of a simple mouth swab.
Middle Siblings
In Western culture, middle children have been thought to remain forgotten and left behind. The eldest getting all the admiration and the youngest all the attention. However, middle children can be total show-stoppers in their own right. Evidently, 52% of the United States presidents have been middle children.
In romantic relationships, middle children have showed an uncanny success rate. It has been found that 80% of middle-born children have remained faithful to their significant others. This is a pretty hefty step up from first and last-born children, who each weigh in at 65% and 53%, respectively. First-born children can be a bit stubborn and set in their ways. Last-born have typically been spoiled and have consequently gotten used to getting their way. With relationships, neither of these attributes works out for long.
Middle children have a leg up due to the fact that they’ve spent their childhood waiting and being patient. Waiting to do the same things their elder siblings get to do. Being patient with their younger sibling’s tantrums and specific food preferences. Each of these things will pay off in the long run.
Youngest Siblings
While sometimes seen as the spoiled brat and used as the scapegoat of siblings during childhood, last-born children turn out great once they grow up. Because the elder siblings have already had time to figure out their role in the family and in school, it gives a lot more freedom to the last-born. Some may use this time to develop their talents creatively.
In 2011, a CareerBuilder study showed which professions attracted different siblings. For the last-born, they tended to gravitate towards finding artistic work. Design, architecture, and writing were all part of the package.
By the time the parent has their last child, their parenting style has naturally evolved. While they were more careful and particular with their first, they tend to be a lot more lenient with the last. This reflects on the youngest child’s personality as they develop. Last-borns tend to be more relaxed, sociable, playful, and humorous with those around them in stark contrast to their more serious and sensible eldest sibling.
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