Does birth order have effect on a child’s personality, behavior and intelligence? While the theory has been a bone of contention, our birth order is believed by many to have an enduring impact from childhood to the psychological development and adult relationships.
While firstborns may be seen as highly opionated and regarded as high achievers, they may also be described as domineering and most times temperamental. They are often closely monitored, highly secured and given more attention by their parents than other siblings. They usually have greater family responsibilities at a younger age because they are also mini parents to their younger siblings.This may allow for some level of independence in future and relatively greater gains in intelligence.
Middle children are often described as being peacemakers. They are relatively tough as they are caught between the authority of their parents and that of their older siblings. They are usually friendly and expressive. Studies have shown that middle children are more extroverted than first born children. They posses some strong character that make them conspicuous in their circle and in any environment they find themselves.
Youngest children, the last born in the family are best in carelessness, fun loving, charming but often pampered. Most younger children are smart and intelligent but upbringing may suppress this at a younger age while it develops at a later stage. Studies have shown that most youngest children are lovers of pet and children because they grew up taking care of nobody.
Only children are often described as independent minded because they are usually surrounded by adults. Often times, they are thorough, diligent and respectful. Though some are over pampered and may grow up being rude, uncautious and over reliable. They tend to be more friendly and extroverted in future.
These descriptions are very familiar because they are stereotyped mythology about birth order. Whichever school of thought one belong to, it is largely parents interactions with their children, their environment and the upbringing that impacts how birth order shapes personalities and predicts behaviors. The sex of a child alongside the order of birth is another major factor that must be considered in this analysis. A first born female behaves differently from a first born male because females tend to be more domesticated than males.
How about the effect of children’s inherent temperament, independent of their birth order? The effects of circumstances of a child’s birth?And, what about the impact of perceptions and stereotypes versus parents’ reactions to their children and on the children themselves? The list is endless, and as we begin to factor in individual differences including ones’ own (positive and negative) life experiences, we see how complicated attempting to study birth order becomes.
However, parents interaction with their children, their ages/circumstances at the birth of each child has a role to play on a child’s personality just as the age differences between siblings also affect relationship amongst them as well as their psychological disposition from young to adult age. Relatively, it is generally accepted that the older parents get, the different relationship they have with their children. So older and middle aged children tend to have stronger personality and are more inclusive/committed to the family needs. In most cases, they bear the burden of family responsibilities more which may affect their psychological development and adult relationships.
It is safe to say that birth order and a child’s behavior cannot be judged independently. Factors like personality, behaviors, environment, and intelligence are other variables to be considered with birth order while assessing its effect on a child. That not withstanding, understanding your role within your own family system may help you also understand the connection between your family position and behavior.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
