If you have brothers and sisters, you’ve already noticed that you all have a different personality, whether it’s very obvious or not, and your parents probably treat you differently. Have you ever wondered how the members of the same family can be so different? Well, the site The Wellness Minute has the answer to your question!
Research has been carried out since 1967 by the psychologist Kevin Leman. He is interested in the effects of the birth order and has made rather surprising finds, which he published in his book The Birth Order Book: Why You Are The Way You Are. According to him and his colleagues, the order of your birth plays a major role in your personality.
The Difference Between The Youngest And The Eldest
Whether you’re the eldest, the younger, or the only child, your title would have a real impact on your personality. Your relationship with your brothers and sisters, as well as the relationship between you and your parents, would be defined by this order title.
A first child would is testing the parents, who go from an education based on trial-error. The first child usually get more attention and parents tend to be more strict. That explains why they are generally perfectionists.
The second unborn child in a family usually receives less attention from parents, who now have to share their energy between their two children, which is why the younger child tends to want to please To others and to seek approval. They seek less perfection than their elder. Their parents also act differently with him since they now have experience and have learned from their past mistakes, so may be less strict.
This is why Dr. Leman considers that there are some personality traits that are characteristic with the order of birth.
The Eldest
He considers himself a little like the leader of the troop. It is generally recognized as trustworthy, conscientious, organized, prudent, authoritarian and determined. Generally, he is like a “little adult”, as he looks after his younger brothers and sisters and has responsibilities that others do not.
The Second Child
Having neither title nor more youth, he sometimes feels like the misunderstood child. As a result, he usually tries to leave his mark and arranges for him to be noticed. He wants to please others and often acts as a guardian of peace. He’s kind of a bit rebellious and usually has a lot of friends.
The Youngest
Little last, he is generally the one with the most free mind. He does not like to complicate life, he prefers by far to have fun. He is extrovert and particularly manipulative, so he always gets what he wants. He wants to be the center of attention at all times.
So if you compare it with your own siblings, does that match?
Source: La Minute bien-être
