Advertisements
This is a broad description of Alfred Adler's ideas on birth order:
Only - parents have no previous experience. The only child receives 200% attention from parents and may become a rival of one parent. The only child can be over protected and spoiled. They like being the center of attention, often have difficulty sharing with peers and prefer adult company (and use adult language).
Oldest - dethroned by next child, has to learn to share, endure high expectations of parents, often given responsibility and expected to set a good example. My become authoritarian or strict, feel power is right, can be helpful and 'parental' after birth of sibling.
Second - there is always someone ahead, very competitive, wants to overtake the older child, may become a rebel or try to outdo everyone, competition can deteriorate into rivalry.
Minddle - sanwiched, may feel squeezed out of a position of privilege and significance, may be even tempered (take it or leave it attitude), may have trouble finding a place or become a fighter of injustice.
Youngest - has many mothers and fathers, older children try to educate him/her, never dethroned, wants to be bigger, may have huge plans, frequently spoiled.
Twin - one is usually strong or more active, parents may see one as the older, can have identity problems, the stronger may become the leader.
Ghost child - child born after the death of the first child, mother may become overprotective which he/she might exploit/rebel or protest being compared to an overidealized memory.
Adopted Child - may be spoiled and demanding, may resent or idealize bio parents.
Only boy among girls - usually with women all the time, may try to prove manhood or become effeminate.
Only girl among boys - older brothers act as protectors, can be very feminine or a tomboy and try to outdo brothers, may try to please father.
All boys - may capitalize on assigned role or protest it vigorously.
All girls - may capitalize on assigned role or protest it vigorously.
What is your birth order?
Does it 'fit' with these descriptions?
Have you seen these behaviors in your children?
Nancy
Like
Share