I am one of four children! I have an older sister, an older brother and a little sister. That makes me third in the lineup. We have always been a close-knit group helping and celebrating each other through life’s little hiccups and celebrations. People often ask me what it is like being third. This made me wonder about birth order so I turned to a Child Development Information site. (http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-development/birth_order.shtml) Here are a few of their descriptors:
First Child (ex. Brad Pitt)
Sometime strives to protect and help others.
Strives to please.
Yep! My sister is a pleaser almost to a fault! She would help anyone and was way more generous than the rest of us!
Second Child or middle child (ex. Britney Spears)
May be rebel.
Often doesn’t like position. Feels “squeezed” if third child is born.
Yep! My brother is a rebel from way back. In fact, in his toddler years, he climbed onto the roof of a house. It’s true!
Third Child
Is adaptable.
Learns to deal with both oldest and youngest sibling.
Yep! I am an adapter, even though I don’t want to be sometimes. I think “stubborn” should have been added to this list, too. I have been told that a time or two.
Youngest Child (Ex. Cameron Diaz)
Creative
Becomes boss of family in getting service and own way.
Remains “The Baby.”
Yep again! My little sister is a little bossy (she may be reading this) and
absolutely remains the baby in our family. She is also very creative.
Did I agree with every thing on the site? No way, but it makes for a good read. The market on sibling research is hot right now. I figure since I have lived it, I could probably write the book on being one of four….for better or worse!
This Valentine’s Day I will be honoring my siblings and encourage you to do the same. I have lost both my older sister (my number one cheerleader) and my brother (my protector) over the years. I miss them more than words can say. Love your siblings and tell them you do. If you are fighting, make up. If you haven’t seen them in a while, make a date! If you haven’t talked in a few days, give them a call. While you’re at it, give your mom a call and tell her thank you for creating such fabulous (however aggravating they may be at times) children!
Do you agree with these birth order descriptions?
Related articles
- 15 Fascinating Scientific Facts About Siblings (nursingschools.net)
This post was written by
lyssa – who has written 26 posts on Label Daddy.
Lyssa Sahadevan is mommy to an adorable toddler. She is a first grade teacher in Georgia, wife to a terrific hubby and an education advocate. She loves all things books and tells all about it at My Mommy Reads. You can follow along on Twitter with her as well.
I love this. I am the oldest of 2. I am a protector and do strive to please but often fail…… I also seem to be very attracted to Brad Pitt…..coincidence……(?)
My younger sister is very creative and sometimes stubborn but with a very soft heart that she hides at times. She has and will always be “our baby”.
Well said Lyssa!! You are very lucky to have such a great family!!
What a sweet story :] You definitely were in a tough ipistoon there regarding the lamb in some ways I think Yeah, you should’ve stolen it! but then what? Maybe if you could steal both lambs hmmm .
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