POPSUGAR UK

6 Ways Being the Middle Child Prepared Me For Life

07/08/2018 - 11:05 AM

As the middle child of three kids, there are some things about the so-called "middle child syndrome" [1] that ring true. The guilt some parents have about neglecting their middle child [2] is probably the biggest reason people pity us. Some might assume that our easygoing demeanour means we're easily taken advantage of or that the amount of attention we get determines how much ambition we'll have. And while the sum of these assumptions points to a pretty pitiful existence, there are plenty of character-enriching perks to being the middle kid. I'm absolutely convinced that my birth order has given me one solid advantage for every perceived disadvantage. Here are six ways being in the middle has prepared me for life.

It Taught Me How to Be a Team Player

As the middle child, compromise was a consistent part of life. Whether it was sharing with my younger brother [3] or respecting my older sister's space, I learned when to be helpful and when to make myself scarce for the good of the family.

It Encouraged My Independence

I definitely flew under the radar when it came to demanding my parents' attention, but I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. There are lots of parents making a conscious effort to raise independent kids [4] who aren't the least bit neglectful. My parents placed a lot of trust in me, which empowered me to be fearless, experiment more, and learn from my own mistakes.

It Sharpened My Negotiation Skills

As the middle child, learning how to advocate for myself often meant being more creative with my approach. Paying attention to what my parents and siblings wanted and figuring out a solution that satisfied us both usually worked. Today, I try to apply the same strategy to my marriage, parenting, and work life.

It Allowed Me to Carve My Own Path

When it came to my parents, I never felt intensely scrutinized or pressured to fit certain expectations [5]. This allowed me to discover and explore my passions and learn about myself. I believe this is a big part of why I have a job that I truly enjoy.

It Instilled a Sense of Social Justice

As the middle child, I paid a lot of attention to fairness. As a kid, I realised that focusing on it too much could be frustrating and overwhelming. Things aren't always fair, inside the home and outside in the world, but we can still do our part to treat people kindly.

It Inspired Me to Work Harder

Since my parents' resources, energy, and attention were limited, I was aware of how much they counted on me to pitch in with chores [6] and be as self-sufficient as possible. I enjoyed the sense of achievement that comes with understanding your place in a family, community, and professional setting.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/parenting/Benefits-Being-Middle-Child-45140451