Too often when I am engaged in conversation with someone they ask if I have any siblings, only for me to answer with, “Yes, one older sister and one younger sister.” They proceed with, “Oh, you must have middle child syndrome.” Well, to be honest, that is far from true, in my opinion.
Over the past 20 years, I have come to find that being a middle child is one of the biggest privileges that I have been lucky enough to receive. Though at times, it is hard to be stuck in the middle or "looked over," I would not change my experience for the world. Being a middle child comes with so many positives that are too often overlooked, giving the title of being a “middle child” an awful (and inaccurate) stigma.
Let me begin with having an older sibling. First and foremost, I have zero clue what I would do without the guidance from my older sister. Thanks to her, growing up was a breeze.
1. I knew what to do and not to do in given situations, as I watched and learned from her mistakes.
2. I always had access a closet to steal from full of clothes that were way too big (and cool) for me.
3. I learned the importance of not letting anything get in the way of your dreams, no matter how crazy they might seem to others.
4. I was taught at a young age that you will not get far if you don’t have a backbone and say what you need to say.
5. Since the day I was born, I have been equipped with my own personal bodyguard and support system.
Growing up in a home with someone to look up to--someone I consider to be one of my greatest role models--has benefited me in ways that my sister will never know. I am so appreciative of the relationship advice, fights that have made me a stronger person, fashion emergency tips, and love that she has showered me with over the years.
As for having a younger sibling, I find that experience equally as rewarding. Not only was I able to pass along things that my older sister taught me, but I was also able to teach my younger sister by making my own mistakes and giving her the love that my older sister gave me.
1. I was able to have my own baby doll to play with 24/7 as a little girl and because of that, I became the best french braider in the world.
2. I finally was able to take a turn bossing someone around, just as my older sister did with me.
3. I get to return all of the favors I had once been giving, such as being the chauffer, being a bodyguard, and lending a shoulder to cry on.
4. I was never left alone with my parents when my older sister went off to college.
5. Finally, having a younger sister has given me the opportunity to be the advice giver and not just the advice taker.
In my opinion, middle children don’t have it so bad. You get to be both a younger and older sibling and experience the perks of both, which may I add, is pretty freaking cool. Sure, being called the wrong name gets old at times, but the positives outweigh the negatives by far. Getting the best of both worlds is something an older sibling or younger sibling will never have, and for that I would never change the position in my family that I have been gifted.
