Having siblings to share my life experiences with is, in my opinion, one of the greatest gifts. They are the people who understand how strange and dysfunctional your family is, and this can be better than anything else in this world. These are the people you grew up with and you know could blackmail you in a heartbeat with the amount of awkward-stage photos they have of you hidden around the house. Some siblings grow up to become the best of friends while others drift apart over the years, but all middle children can agree that no matter what their relationship with their siblings is like today, being the middle child is not an easy job.
What the child sandwiched between the beloved first child and the spoiled youngest child experiences is more commonly known as "Middle Child Syndrome." Growing up with my older sister, Katie, and my younger brother, Michael, I was the picture perfect example of your typical middle child. My family is lucky to have two loving and involved parents in our lives, but there are just some things a middle child cannot avoid in his or her lifetime. If you are like I am and find that you have fallen victim to Middle Child Syndrome, I feel for you. I really do. But while there are some things that suck about being a middle child, it also has its perks later down the road.
Things that suck about Middle Child Syndrome:
You become a bit of an outcast to the family.
When the youngest is born, you're no longer the cute little one anymore. You're not quite old enough to be considered a big kid either. So for a while, you're just kind of stuck.
You're always made to sit in the middle seat on long car rides.
Every. Single. Time.
You're the first to get the hand-me-down clothes.
Not all hand-me-downs are terrible, don't get me wrong. However, the only way you're getting new clothes of your own is if the old ones literally fall apart.
Family pictures are not exactly your time to shine.
I don't think I need to point out which one is me ...
When the oldest and youngest siblings want to play or hang out, it usually ends with you getting hurt.
Attention can be hard to get from others.
Yeah, being the middle child isn't always the easiest role in the family, but we all have to admit that being the middle child definitely can have its perks!
Things that don't suck about Middle Child Syndrome:
You can usually get away with just about anything since the focus of attention is usually not on you.
Well, most things...
You learn independence at a young age and are comfortable with doing your own thing.
#flawless.
You can get away with being the weird one of the family, and no one really questions it.
You have years of problem-solving experience.
And although being the middle child isn't always easy, you wouldn't trade it for the world.
