I've been a middle child since 1997, with one older sister and one younger brother. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm obsessed with my family, but it wasn't always that way. Growing up, I felt neglected and forgotten because I was stuck in the middle of the stellar oldest child and the innocent youngest child. I turned to my mom with these concerns, and she told me that I was suffering from Middle Child Syndrome.
Now, Middle Child Syndrome is a strange thing to describe. I don't think I'd be able to put it into words, and quite honestly, I don't think a non-middle child would even be able to comprehend what it means.
1. You're not responsible like your oldest sibling.
Your oldest sibling will always be expected to be the most responsible because, well, they're the oldest; they're supposed to be the most mature. This being the case, no matter how hard you tried to prove to your parents that you could be just as responsible, it didn't matter because you'd always have someone even more responsible right above you.
2. You're not as cute as your youngest sibling.
It was no use trying to convince your parents that your youngest sibling was the Devil's spawn; they could do no wrong in anyone's eyes. Every relative wanted to pinch their cheeks, and all of your friends thought that they were "so much cuter than you!!!" *Insert eye roll here*
3. You sometimes feel like you're lurking in your siblings' shadows.
While your siblings are each shining in their own spotlights – captain of their sports teams, stars in their school productions, smartest in their classes – you can sometimes feel like you're nothing special in comparison, regardless of your own accomplishments. You don't want to seem needy for attention, but you also think you deserve some recognition.
4. However, there are upsides to being a middle child!
No matter how hard it can get to be a middle child, you slowly develop a unique, personal way to get that recognition and earn a title other than "Middle Child." You learn to make your special qualities and talents known, you aim to be a better version of yourself, and you find new ways to be proud and have faith in yourself – you become your biggest fan.
No disrespect to my siblings or my family, I know they all love me (as much as I love them), but it can sometimes be a challenge to make a name for myself when my sister is athletic and beautiful and my brother is smart and talented. I've learned not to hate being a middle child but rather accept it. It has taught me to work hard and love myself.
