It's no secret that middle children are often the unlucky ones in families. They make up for their lack of attention with humor and making others laugh (that's why we're so funny). According to The Huffington Post, we're also the peacemakers, especially between our other siblings. We build a small group of friends to be like a mini-family, and we're always concerned with how fair things are. That's probably why we feel like we don't get enough attention.
However, sometimes we really don't get enough attention! Middle children have their own unique sets of difficulties growing up and relating to others. This is not a lesson in psychology, but it'll definitely make middle children consider the way they think! I took to asking some middle children for their biggest struggles and found some interesting ones to explain to everyone who just doesn't get it. To all the Jan Bradys, Stephanie Tanners, and Malcoms in the Middle, this one is for you.
1. "Being compared to your siblings" -Sarina R.
"When your older sister was in high school, she did this..."
"When your brother took this class, he got this grade..."
We know! Being compared to a sibling, especially older, is extremely hard to avoid for middle children. Often times, we try to do the opposite, just to ruffle feathers and create some individuality.
2. "Trying to have a unique form of self identity" - Mike A.
Originality is hard to claim as a middle child. Making yourself known as someone other than "so-and-so's sibling" is rough. True, youngest siblings can relate, too, but not on a middle-kid level. "Oh my goodness, there's more kids after you?" -Classic teacher line.
3. "Being forgotten" -Sawyer K.
When your older sibling is turning 21 and your younger sibling is turning 16 and you're turning 17, you've been outnumbered by important birthdays. And when your birthday shares the same month as an older sibling with a monumental age coming up, it becomes their birth month (speaking from real life experience).
4. "Ignored accomplishments" -Kate H.
When a middle child is sandwiched between a sibling graduating college and another one graduating high school, or similar milestones, it can make their honor roll game or job promotion look pretty weak. Therefore, they are often overlooked by doting parents, aunts, and uncles.
5. "Being the unnoticed 'tame' child" -Chloe H.
Lone wolf-ing it is part of the middle-child job description. Going right along with #4, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle when other siblings outshine you in good deeds. Even when they do something rebellious, the middle child's good deeds are still unnoticed. I guess it's not too bad because that means we can get away with way more.
After all, the complaining is said and done, it is actually pretty cool being a middle child. They have the path paved for them, but can chose to be a trailblazer if they want. They're next in line to get upgraded from the kid's table at family functions. Negotiation and peacemaking are second-nature skills for them. Also as mentioned before, they're really funny.
