via msn: August 12 marks National Middle Child Day in the U.S. Read on for some fun facts about middle children.
A 1966 study published in The Journal of Genetic Psychology claimed that middle children are very adaptable by nature, which makes them great in group activities.
While collating the data of a youth survey, researchers at the University of Colorado Denver found that middle (and last-born) kids have it easy from their parents, which in turn makes them risk-takers. In comparison, parents are always more strict with their firstborn.
Middle kids tend to be independent from an early age, which makes them successful in later life. A bit of trivia: of all American presidents, 52 percent have been middle children.
Middle children are great negotiators. A study conducted by Jason Kaufman and Daniel Eckstein in 2012 on the role of birth order in personality found that since middle kids usually have to find a way out between the oldest and youngest children from early on, they turn out to be articulate in proving their point.
A study published in the Journal of Individual Psychology in 2009 stated that middle kids are almost always attracted to other middle children.
The same study also found that middle children have healthier and happier relationships, both with their romantic partners and friends.
Guided by self-motivation, middles turn out to be quite ambitious in life, according to Catherine Salmon and Katrin Schumann in the book, “The Secret Power of Middle Children: How Middleborns Can Harness Their Unexpected and Remarkable Abilities.”
Middle kids learn to set realistic expectations since they often have to make an extra effort to draw attention toward them.
Middle kids are also more responsible. While parents tend to devote more time to their first- and last-borns, the middle children pick up tricks on their own, which make them take control of their lives.
The behavior of the middle child is directly linked to the firstborn’s actions. Author Kevin Leman of “The Birth Order Book” states, “Once a role is filled by the firstborn, the second-born will seek out a role that’s completely the opposite.”
Middles have a knack of handling any kind of conflict. They use their negotiating skills to come out of any tricky situation with ease.
Middle kids turn out to be empathetic, since they learn to compromise at an early age. Amy McCready, in her book “If I Have to Tell You One More Time,” states that middles often feel more motivated by justice rather than money.
As parents, middles have a great relationship with their kids. They know how to walk the balance between rules and freedom.
Career-wise, middles tend to be proficient as teachers, social workers, diplomats, actors and defense lawyers.
Since they are always surrounded by family, middle kids are less likely to suffer from any kind of emotional disorders, according to a 2013 study conducted by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
