Growing up is a game of self-identity. It's all about discovering who you truly are. And it was difficult for all of us. Yet, having siblings made it easier. Someone to blame, someone to share timeouts with, someone to whisper and laugh with. A built in sidekick, growing up is always easier with family.
Several studies have been conducted on birth order and its play into an individual's personality. While many are skeptical, most of us can relate to the common traits attributed to our birth order. It's like looking in the mirror.
Firstborn: the Boss
The baby with the most detailed baby book, your "firsts" were Mom and Dad's biggest accomplishments. You are their first perfect miracle, and your personality mirrors that. Never has there been a time in your life when you didn't step up to lead. A natural talent given the younger children you had looking up to you, you know what it's like to be in charge. Confident in yourself and your abilities, you never shy away from a challenge. Eager to please, you jump at the chance to be teacher's pet or the best of friends. Because of having first-time, overly cautious parents, you've always been well behaved both at school and at home. A diligent rule-follower, you're typically the voice of logic in any situation. A perfectionist in your own way, you seem to excel at everything you do; always keeping things neat and organized. Yet, while you seem to have it all together, at times it all falls apart. Always responsible for your younger siblings' messes and their actions, you sometimes feel like everyone both depends on you for everything to go right and blames you when something goes wrong.
Middle: the Friend
Feeling as if you missed the boat with Mom and Dad, you sometimes feel a little left out. Stuck in the middle, you know how to roll with the punches. Whatever happens, you're OK with it. Living up to your parents' expectations, set high by your older sibling, you've realized that being perfect is overrated. More reckless and messy than your older sibling, your life is a bit haphazard in all areas save relationships. You are a friend to all. A kind soul and a solid negotiator, you want life to be all sunshine and rainbows for everyone. Fiercely loyal to those you love, you'll go to bat for your family regardless of the situation. Empathetically inclined, you are so concerned with people and the relationships you have that obligations and deadlines fall by the wayside. Often feeling misunderstood or stuck in the shadows of an older brother or sister, your feelings are often easily hurt.
Baby: the Party
Your parents have done this so many times they're pretty sure you can raise yourself. Left more on your own than under Mom and Dad's watchful eyes, you usually get into more trouble than you can handle. Yet, being the baby of the family, you can do no wrong. With more freedom than any of your other siblings, you're usually pretty independent. You find the most enjoyment in entertaining others. Always with the funniest jokes and the best dance moves, you are the "cool kid." With more freedom from your parents, you've become more creative and independent, while having less responsibility. Affectionate and fun, you know how to make everyone laugh and have a good time. Yet, without Mom and Dad watching over you, you often feel left out and uncared for, leaving you with a need to perform to gain attention.
Only Child: the Lonely
