Growing up as the middle child and the only daughter in my family certainly played a significant role in shaping me into who I am today.
With just 18 months between me and my older brother, and seven years of age difference with my little brother, I always find myself balancing the roles of sister, friend, and (on some occasions) mother figure.
There are certain luxuries that come with being the middle child, while at other times it can feel like a burden; but no matter what, I wouldn’t trade my brothers for anyone else in the world—even though it would be nice to have a sister to steal clothes from once in a while.
Looking back on my childhood, I think it would be safe to say that a lot of my experiences are relatable to middle children around the world, some of which have come in handy in college and professional life.
1. You’re a master negotiator and mediator.
Naturally you always get stuck solving problems and arguments between your other siblings. #diplomacy.
2. You learned independence at a young age.
After all, your parents were too busy watching out for the baby of the family while your older sibling was off doing things that were “not appropriate” for your age.
3. Bikes and toys were usually hand-me-downs—don’t even get me started on helmets.
But vintage is “in,” right?
4. Your best friends in life are always older and younger than you by several years.
5. You’re open-minded and flexible in difficult situations…
It wasn’t often that you always got your way, so you learned how to roll with it.
6. You’re good at seeing two sides to a situation.
It helps when you’re used to being wedged right in the middle of things.
7. You had at least one teacher in elementary school who your over-achieving eldest sibling had.
No pressure though, right?
8. You’re creative...
...thanks to years of being forced to come up with imaginative (or downright bizarre) ideas in order to get your parents’ attention.
