Middle children are considered to be neglected, resentful, have no drive, pessimistic and feel like they don’t belong. In other words, “Middle Child Syndrome." They feel left out, out of place and they kind of feel like they’re just there. Being a middle child, and having experienced some of the characteristics of being a middle child, I can vouch and say that not all of that is true, and there are some great benefits of being the middle child.

I have a brother who is four years older than me, and a younger sister who is two year younger. So there is a pretty good age gap between us all. Being in the middle for the past fourteen years, I’ve learned some things.

I learned lessons from watching my brother go through things. I’ve learned what to do, and what not to do. I’ve learned how adult life develops, and the challenges that come with it. I consider myself fortunate to have that. I’ve been able to learn from him on how to handle certain situations that will cross my path as I grow older. I also have someone who has dealt with and experienced certain situations that I am coming across now in my life. He knows exactly what I’m going through and can help me deal with that.

As for having a younger sibling, it does come with benefits. I feel like I have the opportunity to be a role model for her. I make myself a better person for her. I want to be someone she comes to for help. I want her to learn from me. She can learn from my mistakes and better herself, as my brother does for me.

I might be looked over every now and then. I’m not the oldest, so people aren't overly concerned with what I’m doing because I’m not the first one going through everything. I’m not the baby, I’m not the last one to leave the nest. And people aren’t stressed over me being the last one. I’m in the middle, and that’s OK. I’m not upset by it because it’s no one’s fault. It’s psychology. I’m fortunate to have the opportunities that I have, and I’m grateful for that. I’ve learned that I will always be a middle child, and to learn from what I was born into. To have the opportunity to be able to learn from my “superior," and to be able to help build and develop my younger sibling, is more than what I could ever ask for.