Stuck between the privileged oldest and the babied youngest, middle kids are in the unique position of forging their own role in the family. While living in the median could be annoying at times, there might have been some surprising advantages. Scroll through these ten things all middle children know are true.
1. All milestones are based on your older sibling’s maturity and not your own
Wearing make-up, driving to school, later curfews and other responsibilities have little to do with you and more with how well your sister or brother handled it.
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2. Middle children learn excellent negotiation skills
If you grew up in the middle, you had to make your voice be heard over the bossiness of your older sibling and the whining of your younger one.
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3. You’re often referred to as either someone’s little brother or sister, or older brother or sister
It’s like people forget you have your own name.
Photo Credit: Max Pixel
4. Middle kids thrive under pressure
They aren’t as hard on themselves and are less likely to get diagnosed with emotional disorders.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
5. The middle child usually has to share a bedroom
Whether it’s with the oldest or the youngest, you didn’t get your own space until the oldest moved out.
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6. Middles go with the flow
Parents have loosened up by the time you came along and you weren’t babied like the youngest.
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7. You have the perspective of both the oldest and the youngest siblings
Meaning, you’re pretty good at reading people.
Photo Credit: Max Pixel
8. You learn parenting skills
While the oldest was out doing her own thing, you were left in charge of the youngest giving you a head start on parenting.
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9. You can (sparingly) add drama when it’s needed
You’re secret weapon to be heard over the oldest and the youngest was your flair for drama, but only when necessary.
Photo Credit: Max Pixel
10. Middle kids are open to trying new things
You had to learn to be inventive and you didn’t shy away from trying a new skill.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Yeah, we middles had to share everything and got the hand-me-downs, but we also learned diplomacy and assertiveness. We middle kids didn’t have it so bad after all. Next Thanksgiving, bring this list up and see what your sibs have to say.
On second thought, maybe we should keep it to ourselves. You know how they can get.
