If you're a middle child, then you understand the struggle of the infamous "Middle Child Syndrome". You understand what it feels like to have expectations set out for you by your older siblings, and you understand what it feels like to have the burden and annoyance of a younger sibling always staying in your business. You understand how great it is for your older siblings to share things with you, and how absolutely horrible it is to have to share your things with your younger siblings. There are times that a middle child can feel left out in a way that an older or younger sibling wouldn't understand, but there are also times that a middle child can feel like the glue holding their family together.
Whether you enjoy being a middle child or not, there are four reasons that make a being a middle child worth it, even though they may not seem like they would.
1. You get hand-me-downs.
Now, I know every middle child in the world (or, not even just the middle child, any person out there that has older siblings) can complain about getting hand-me-downs.
But, think about it. That toy that you always had to beg to play with? It'll be yours eventually. That shirt that you absolutely love? Don't worry, your older sibling will eventually grow out of it, and you get to wear it without bargaining something of yours to have it.
2. You get bossed around.
Sometimes having an older sibling constantly telling you what to do can feel like you have a third parent. You have someone always telling you what you need to do. Sometimes, you're told to do things you don't even need to do, but things that they want to do for no reason at all. This may seem aggravating, but deep down inside, you learn that the only reason they do so is because they love you. Your older sibling wants you to learn the same things they did, learn the same principles and morals. So, every time they boss you around, really, they want you to be like them.
3. You have a constant copycat.
Maybe this isn't a problem for older siblings, but it's a constant problem for your younger brothers or sisters. Because unlike bossing you around, your younger siblings want to do exactly what you do. The way you walk, the way you talk, the way you dress. Odds are, they think you're cooler than Superman, so no matter how much it may aggravate you, just remember that they only copy you because of how much they admire you. Your younger siblings (when they're not aggravating you) really are your biggest fans.
4. You're siblings will never, ever, leave you alone.
Of course, this doesn't seem like a bad thing, because it never is, when you realize this means you always have somebody there for you. Being the middle child means you don't have to go far at all to find a friend to be there for you. You always have older siblings to run to in your time of need, and you always have younger siblings who come to you in their time of need. You have a shoulder to cry on, and you are a shoulder to offer.
Being a middle child gives you a whirlwind of emotions. You can at times feel left out or forgotten among your brothers or sisters. Despite how much you could believe that, your siblings would never forget you. You're the puzzle piece holding your family together, so no matter the negatives about being the middle child, there are so many more positives. So, embrace the "Middle Child Syndrome". In fact, complain about it every chance you get. Because complaining about it just reminds you of how much you wouldn't trade being the middle child for the world.
