Birth order has been a thing that has defined most of us growing up with siblings. The oldest usually had more freedom to go do what they wanted, while the youngest more than likely was given whatever they wanted. What most people don’t hear about too often is how the middle child was treated and how they grew up. This is especially relevant in my case where there are three of us and I am on my own as the middle child, between two brothers. If you were a middle child, you could quite agree about the following signs that give us middle children away.
1. You were identified as the second oldest or second youngest, depending on what your parents felt like.
If you did something that was maybe not so smart and a little immature, your parents tell you that you are the second oldest and that you should know better. If you want to spread your wings and go out and have freedom to do what you want, your parents remind you that you are the second youngest and not quite ready for those responsibilities yet.
2. If you were angry at one, you could find solace in the other.
I can’t tell you the numerous times I was upset at one brother and instead of getting my parents involved, I went to the other brother to complain and hash out my problems. Ultimately we always made up, but it was very convenient to have the other until that happened.
3. You are extremely good at being able to see both sides of a story.
I can definitely contribute the fact that I am good at hearing out both sides of the story in any situation because of being a middle child. There were various times where I had to be able to hear out both sides of the story, so I could defend them both when my parents confronted them.
4. You are able to identify with both of your siblings.
I am three years younger than my older brother and three years older than my younger brother, making them six years apart from each other. This time gap can make it hard for them to relate to each other’s situations and problems, which leaves me to help them sort it out. I help give each of them perspective of what they are each going through so they can stop fighting so much, and I could go back to my nap.
5. You will never get away with anything in your life, ever.
While your older sibling has a little slack so he can learn in his newfound freedom, and the youngest basically does whatever he wants, the middle child has the eye of scrutiny upon them. You do one thing out of line, and you are given many long talks to make sure it never happens again. Do anything slightly dangerous, and you are doing pushups until your arms are rubber.
Being the middle child has its ups and downs, but I would have it no other way. I love having someone younger to do all those crazy activities with, and someone older to help give you advice and help guide you through life. Even when they gang up on you to give you a hard time, they are the closest things you have to best friends when you need them. I would never give them up for anything, and I would never give up my status as the middle child.
