Expert advice for Charlotte to avoid ‘middle child syndrome’
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge should look out for Princess Charlotte experiencing “middle child syndrome” after welcoming their new baby, a parenting expert has said.
As William and Kate announced they are expecting another addition to the family, Sue Atkins offered advice on how the duke and duchess should adjust to having three offspring.
Ms Atkins, author of Parenting Made Easy: How To Raise Happy Children, said having a third child was more of a challenge but also a time of great excitement.
She said: “It’s more tiring because it’s more demanding but it’s also joyous.
“It’s nice because [the children] have got each other as company, but sometimes you can get a bit of sibling rivalry going on.”
The duke and duchess will have to be aware of how Princess Charlotte copes with losing her place as the youngest in the family and becomes the middle child, Ms Atkins said. She said: “The first one is the eldest and the youngest gets away with murder; the middle child sometimes struggles to find their feet. You can be mindful of that – they can get lost a bit. They are sometimes the children that can disappear a bit when your time is taken up with the baby.”
Ms Atkins suggested the duke and duchess should make sure they take the time to stop and do simple things oneon-one with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and their new sibling.
“No matter how many children you’ve got, if you can, find a natural space to spend quality time with each one. People say, ‘We’re so busy’ but then this is important stuff.”