I am in a family of four children; two boys and two girls. I am the third of the four. Now, while many people would assume my position to be next to best, falling in a close second to the youngest, they're sorely mistaken. Being the third child doesn't mean getting let off the hook for your older siblings' mistakes, it means knowing better than to make them and getting in trouble for doing so. It doesn't mean being spoiled. That privilege is saved for the youngest. But perhaps the worst part about being the third child is just plain being stuck "in between."
Having an older sister as a role model is both a blessing and a curse for the third child. She'll be promiscuous and rebellious and wear heavy makeup and go out with friends. Ultimately, she'll do everything you so fervently wish you could that you simply cannot. And as you grow older, you'll begin to be able to do those things that you once thought were so cool - but all of a sudden, they're not as fun anymore, or not as acceptable by a parents' standards.
Then your sister turns 21. Shortly after that, the worst thing happens; the second oldest sibling turns 21. So what, right? Everyone turns 21 eventually, there's no one stopping me from drinking in college or when I'm home. These points are fair and true, yet nothing tops the inability to go bar-hopping with your siblings when you're all home. As the third child, all you can do is wait. Yet when you turn 21, the older two will already be close to sick of the bar-hopping scene and likely only drink with you on your big day.
I could go on about the hindrances of being the third child, as the list seems positively endless, but alas, I will not. Because if there's one thing I love about being the third child, it's that I get the opportunity to learn from my older siblings and create my own path based upon their mistakes or good fortunes. And that is something that is irreplaceable.