BIRTH ORDER PERSONALITY TRAITS

FIRSTBORN CHILD

● More likely to be the family conservative, academic or professional.

● Often more responsible and organised.

● Can be more cautious.

● Often big on the little details.

● Can be perfectionists.

● Can feel pressure to perform and achieve.

● Can fear failure and opt instead to take the safe option.

● Can have superior language skills because of exposure to adults.

● Likes to follow the rules.

● More likely to be a goal setter.

MIDDLE OR SECOND CHILD

● Tends to be more flexible and resilient.

● Can be more competitive.

● Can be a good diplomat and peacekeeper, learning to negotiate life squeezed between siblings.

● Tends to look outside the family for their sense of belonging and is often the first to leave the nest.

● Can have more friends and social connections than their older sibling.

● Tends to keep their feelings to themself.

ONLY CHILD

● Also known as a super firstborn, they are likely to have many firstborn traits, including being well organised and responsible.

● Can be very assertive and confident.

● Can have superior language skills because of exposure to adults.

● Can struggle with conflict because they have not been exposed to sibling squabbles.

● Often happy to spend more time in their own company.

YOUNGEST CHILD

● Often takes more risks.

● More likely to stretch themself and try new things.

● Approval is not as important to them and they don’t feel the same pressure as their eldest sibling.

● Often persistent.

● Loves to get their own way and is likely to use charm, humour and laughter to win over others.

● Can doubt their own ability because their siblings have been able to do things they can’t.

● Often successful but not in ways their family expects.

● Can be a little self-centred because they tend to do less at home to help others.