Did you know that your birth order could have an effect on your personality? This is according to Alfred Adler, a psychologist for example:
- Oldest child: This child may be initially spoiled and later dethroned. She may be bossy, strict, and authoritarian; it’s as if she has a right to power. She also may feel exceptionally responsible for others.
- Second Child: He always has an older rival, and this may make him competitive. The challenge is for him to develop a unique identity, so he may end up being a rebel.
- Middle Child: She is likely to be even-tempered, developing a sort of “take it or leave it” attitude. She may become overly sensitive to the plights of others who are overlooked or underprivileged. She also may have trouble finding her niche in life.
- Youngest: He is never dethroned, and so he may feel he should be treated like royalty. He’s likely to have unrealistic aspirations. This may make him chronically frustrated, and consequently he could choose to stay the baby.
- Only Child: This child has plenty of attention from both parents and therefore feels special, especially liking attention from adults.
- Only boy among girls: He may need to prove he’s a man, but he is also likely to be sensitive to feminine issues. He also may have strong expectations that everyone will immediately recognize his special qualities and feel deep disappointment when he’s treated just like everyone else.
- Only girl among boys: She may become either overly feminine or a tomboy, trying to compete with her brothers. She also may feel she has a special designation and, depending upon her relations with her brothers, may expect abuse from males or may expect them to be her protectors.
