BellaOnline Forums Family Siblings Birth Order...

I am one of seven children and our birth order has a lot to do with our personalities, I think. I am right in the middle, two older brother, one older sister, two younger brothers, one younger sister. Does anyone else recognize birth order personalities in their family? I read a book on it years ago, but cannot remember the distinct characteristics of each child (ie: oldest, second, middle..etc.)

Yes definitely I know many first borns and we all have certain characteristics. It very much makes sense that if you are always the "oldest child" and always being told to watch after your sibling, to keep an eye on her, to be the mature one, to take care of things that it affects your personality.

Wow! It always amazes me when people come from large families. My mother came from a large family but I grew up an only child. THe dynamics of siblings has always interested me.

If I remember correctly: the oldest child, if a son, is usually the seeker, curious, venturesome type. The oldest daughter is the nurturer and helper. The middle child, boy or girl, is the mediator. The youngest child, boy or girl, is the baby until adulthood then turns into the leader and decision maker type. This seems to be true in our family. In our family, the ones in between provide that good balance we all need.

Here's the Wikipedia page on birth order -

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Well, the part about 'gay' is not true in our family. Also, the oldest son, although adventursome and curious, was not the most intelligent, smart in many ways and very talented, but, it is the youngest son, who is the 6th of 7, who is the smartest. You can bring up any subject or issue with him and he can converse intelligently about it. He is also the most creative, I think. Thanks for the link, Lisa. I am going to read up on that.

I think the oldest is the overachiever and the middle child is more independent and the youngest can be more of a risk taker. Of course, there are always exceptions. I hadn't heard of the gay thing though - I'll let my youngest brother know!

LOL they weren't saying that the younger brother IS gay They are just saying the chances are slightly higher. I'm sure there are a fair amount of not-the-smartest oldest children too

What's funny is that some of this seems true even with very close-in-age kids. My niece and nephews are triplets and somehow the eldest of the three ends up taking care of the other two because he was always called the eldest and he sort of took on that responsibility as a result.

I am the oldest of five - girl/boy/girl/girl/girl with 16 years between myself and the youngest - who get away with EVERYTHING.

I am the smartest LOL, my brother is gay, the second to youngest is the most responsible, the youngest the least (in some aspects but just turned 20 so needs some time) and the middle is a combination - though she is the only one married with children.

We have a lot in common and A LOT more not in common though overall we all get along.

I am the youngest and it shows. I am a rebel to the core. :P