Middle Child Syndrome

I have noticed lately in my family that my middle child is getting left out a lot more than usual. So I decided to do a little research into middle child syndrome to see whether there is any information out there. What I found out was amazing.

I myself am a middle child and can relate to my son and his situation. However, on saying that some of the things he does, I could cheerfully string him up sometimes.

He is really feeling the strain lately and I almost get to the stage of not knowing what to do. He is lying, stealing, and getting very defensive. Because of this he is feeling that he is being picked on and getting yelled at more often. He is almmost 15 so we are dealing with the normal teenage hormonal changes, and finding out who he is.

A middle child will often feel left out. The oldest will become a lot more independent and the third will generally be a lot more spoilt.

A middle child will have their 'firsts' not given as much praise. Like learning to tie their shoelaces or writing their name etc. It just becomes expected. We do a lot of comparing as parents even if it is mentally.

A middle child is often a loner.

A middle child is traditionally not over achievers due to the older one getting the attention, and only do enough to get by.

A middle child is often artistically or creativily inclined.

A middle child likes change.

 When reading through all the different articles I saw a lot of the same tendencies throughout. This was really scary as most of these are traits that my middle one expresses. I couldn't believe it.

From what I’ve read on the Net, “middle children often grow up to be well-adjusted, easy-going adults.” They are good negotiators, but tend to keep their feelings and thoughts inside and that would be a problem in a marriage. I hope he does grow up well-adjusted.

Make sure that you praise your middle child for each milestone they make. Even if you have "Been there, done that" with the first child. Make sure that when there is a third child, that you make time for that middle one that will sometimes get lost in the family.

Just because they are misbehaving, it doesn't mean they are naughty, it could be that they are trying to say, hey look at me I am here too.

Tomorrow, I have to make sure I spend some extra time with my middle one.