Is Middle Kid Syndrome A Real Thing?

For years middle kids everywhere have gotten a bad rap. The oldest child is known to get all of the attention. I know with my first baby I wanted everything to be perfect. He had all of the best of everything. What was supposed to be the best diapers at the time, the best shoes for babies learning to walk, every piece of baby gear that one deemed was necessary. When I got pregnant with my second baby, who is by the way just 18 months younger than his older brother, things were a little different. I was more relaxed with my parenting. By the time BabyCake came around, I was well into my role as a Mommy, but she was different because I was finally having a daughter! She is definitely spoiled and the apple of Mommies eye. 

So where does that leave my middle kid in the mix of everything? Middle children have been said to have emotional problems because they are left out. Some also say that middle kids don’t feel like they are good enough in comparison to their siblings. Well as a parent, I believe “Middle Kid Syndrome” can be a non-issue if we make sure to nourish and cultivate each child based on their strengths. 

Here are some things I’ve learned about middle kids: 

They are independent: Middle children seem to understand better than their siblings that their parents are working at balancing their attention. They take the initiative to do things on their own instead of waiting for someone to tell them what to do. I often ask my other two children where their brother is, because he’s off on his own doing something he enjoys by his lonesome. 

Patient: Middle children are definitely more patient than their counterparts. My middle child is really a “go with the flow” type of person while his sister or brother have an “I want it right now!” attitude. 

Take Chances: Middle kids often feel like they have nothing to loose. There are typically no expectations for the middle child because parenting has usually become more relaxed when it come to them. Therefore they feel like they can jump out there with what excites them.

Work Well With Others: If you’re ever looking for a team player, it’s going to be a middle child. They have easy going personalities and work well in group settings. 

Have Great Negotiation Skills: Middle children are often in the middle of fights between their siblings. They know how to resolve conflicts and make recommendations so that everyone is happy. 

Flexible: Middle children are okay when there’s a change in plans. They are cooperative and will work towards the greater good of a group. If I had a fun day planned, and those plans change, my middle child is the least likely to be upset about it. 

Middle children are pretty awesome kids and generally no trouble. My middle child is the sweetest of all of my children and he knows exactly the right things to do to pull on my heart strings. Middle Kid Syndrome really places quite a few negative stereotypes on those born in the middle. I know for a fact that they tend to be the strongest of their siblings. Quite a few trailblazers like Abraham Lincoln, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr were middle kids. Being born in the middle is not so bad after all! 

What do you think about middle kid syndrome? 

Ashley