Birth Order and Personality

Experts tell NBC News that their place in the household is intertwined with everything - from their hobbies to their grades to how much money they’ll make as an adult. For example: The firstborn is used to being the center of attention because they had their parents all to themselves until a younger sibling came along. In fact, researchers say firstborns get 3,000 more hours of quality time with their parents than later-born kids. Firstborn children also tend to be overachievers, score higher on IQ tests, get more education, and are more likely to make six-figure salaries. However, all that success comes with a price. Firstborns tend to be inflexible, they don’t like change, and can be downright bossy because they’re given a lot of responsibility at home. They also have an intense fear of failure. So for some, nothing they accomplish feels good. Dr. Kevin Lerman is the author of “The Birth Order Book.” He says it’s important to let your firstborn know it’s okay if they don’t succeed at everything.

Next in the birth order: middle children. Middle kids go-with-the-flow and constantly negotiate and compromise in order to “fit in.” Since “mid-kids” get less attention at home and can feel left out, they form stronger bonds with friends. The fix: Occasionally put your middle child in the spotlight by letting them pick where to eat out or what movie to see, so that they get to feel in control of the family from time to time.

Finally, there’s the baby of the family. Experts say the baby generally isn’t the strongest or the smartest kid, but they find ways of getting attention. They’re natural charmers with an outgoing personality, and take a lot more physical risks when they play. Since their parents have already gone through older children learning to walk, talk, read and ride a bike, last-borns can feel that nothing they do is important. Experts say treat the youngest like they’re just as special as their siblings, and expect them to follow the same rules, too.