Birth Order

The Firstborn

Firstborn children tend to be natural leaders. They are smart, ambitious, and determined to succeed. However, they can also struggle with perfectionism and unrealistic expectations. Experts believe this is because first-time parents usually expect their children to reach development milestones at a record-breaking pace.

As with most things in life, parenting has a steep learning curve. You’re bound to make a few mistakes with your firstborn child. Just try to relax and resist the urge to pressure him/her to grow up faster.

Did you know that over half of all U.S. presidents were firstborn children? Firstborns are also well represented in the field of journalism. Famous firstborn children include Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, Ted Koppel, Oprah Winfrey, Walter Cronkite, and Rush Limbaugh.

The Only Child

Only children are often an “extreme” version of firstborn children. They typically relate best to people who are much older than themselves. Since they didn’t have built-in playmates as children, only children are very independent, creative, and self-sufficient.

If you’re the parent of an only child, make an effort to create opportunities for him/her to socialize with other children. Don’t pressure your only child to act more mature than he/she really is. Only children need to know that they will be loved even when they’ve made mistakes.

Only children tend to be very successful in their professional lives, since they are achievement-oriented and typically have the full support of their parents. Natalie Portman, Robin Williams, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Gary Grant, and Frank Sinatra are some of the many famous only children.

The Middle Child

As a group, middle children are hard to define. Some take on the personality traits of an admired older sibling, while others behave much like the baby of the family. Of course, there are also middle children who purposely rebel against authority to create their own unique niche. Parents who are overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for their other children are most likely to find themselves with a sullen and resentful middle child.

While it’s important to have one-on-one time with all of your children, the middle child is most in need of your attention. If possible, you may even want to encourage your middle child to take up piano, soccer, or another interest that is separate from his/her siblings. Having an activity that the two of you can do together will help you form a stronger bond.

Because middle children are so diverse, it’s hard to predict what type of occupation a middle child will enjoy. Some middle children follow in the footsteps of a sibling, while others choose the career that’s most likely to raise a few eyebrows. Famous middle children include Cindy Crawford, Tony Blair, Richard Nixon, and David Letterman.

The Baby of the Family

Children who are last in the birth order are generally charming and outgoing. They are often admired for their sense of humor and ability to relate well to others. However, they can also be spoiled, selfish, and manipulative. Parents who shower attention on the baby of the family are most likely to find themselves with an irresponsible youngest child.

Successfully parenting the baby of the family requires a commitment to balancing the natural desire to protect the youngest with the need to create an environment that encourages independence. You may not want to see your baby leave, but it’s in his/her best interests to learn how to be self-sufficient. Make an effort to give your youngest child the same goals and responsibilities as his/her older siblings.

Since lastborn children love the limelight, it should come as no surprise that many grow up to become athletes, actors, or musicians. Examples of famous lastborn children include Jim Carrey, Billy Crystal, Steve Martin, and Goldie Hawn.

Birth Order Isn't Everything

Don't forget that each child is an individual. How you rear your children can be far more important than the order of their birth. Your firstborn child might be a laid-back musician, and your lastborn might grow up to be a CEO. Children are full of surprises, no matter what their birth order!