Tag Archives: birth order

Birth Order Makes a Difference

Several years ago I read a book about birth orders. Since I have three children I was able to easily pick up on the characteristics that perfectly fit my youngest, middle and oldest child. It was amazing how many similarities I saw between what was described in the book and what I see in my children. One of the things I remember reading about firstborns is that they tend to do better in adult company than children of other birth orders. While my oldest son is still a teenager who enjoys hanging out with friends, he is definitely able to … Continue reading →

Adopting When You Already Have Children: Birth Order and Spacing

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There are a few differences when you adopt a second (or subsequent) child, whether your children are yours by birth or by adoption. Your proposed child will have a great effect on your other children, emotionally and in terms of your family’s lifestyle. I think siblings are wonderful, but my next several blogs will talk about some things you may want to consider. Most adoption counselors advise against adopting out of birth order—meaning, adopting kids who are older than you already have. That said, I’ve seen it work out just fine in certain families. The adoption experts especially advise, however, … Continue reading →

Health and the Youngest Child

Studies are showing that birth order can actually have an impact on health. You can’t help the order that your children are born in. But knowing what ailments are likely to strike your youngest child can help you keep them safe, happy, and healthy! Youngest (and middle) children are less likely to suffer from allergies, asthma, and eczema. Oldest children often aren’t exposed to a variety of germs until they reach school age; the oldest bring the bacteria and viruses home to younger siblings, encouraging them to develop stronger immune systems. Youngest children in families with four or more children … Continue reading →

Health and the Middle Child

Studies are showing that birth order can actually have an impact on health. You can’t help the order that your children are born in. But knowing what ailments are likely to strike your middle child can help you keep them safe, happy, and healthy! Middle (and youngest) children are less likely to suffer from allergies, asthma, and eczema, thanks to oldest children exposing them to all sorts of bacteria and viruses. All those germs can help develop a stronger immune system! Middle (and youngest) children also have a five percent lower risk of developing gum disease for the same reason. … Continue reading →

Health and the Firstborn Child

Studies are showing that birth order can actually have an impact on health. You can’t help the order that your children are born in. But knowing what ailments are likely to strike your oldest child can help you keep them safe, happy, and healthy! Firstborn children score an average of three points higher on IQ tests than younger siblings do. Smarts are good, this is better: research from the University of Glasgow suggests that children who score higher on IQ tests are less likely to develop coronary heart disease and some cancers. Firstborn children are more likely to suffer from … Continue reading →

Do You Treat Children Differently Because of Birth Order?

There is an ongoing debate in the world of families as to whether birth order actually matters. I thought it might be fun to consider a twist on this ongoing battle and ask whether or not, as a parent, we treat and react to our children differently based on where they fall in the birth order? Whether it is intentional or accidental, I’m willing to bet that most of us react differently to our children based not only on personality—but according to where they fall in the “chain of command” of our family structure. My eldest daughter got pushed out … Continue reading →

Adopting the Second Time Around

Our first adoption brought us so much joy. It was our son who provided us with the honorary title of “Mom and Dad”. During that drawn out journey for our family, it was truly about helping us achieve our dream of parenthood. When we began to long for a second child, we noticed it felt much different than it did with our first child. This time around adoption wasn’t about making my husband and me parents; it was about making our son a big brother and growing our family. Unlike with our first son, there wasn’t the desperation or the … Continue reading →

Parenting Your Only Child – What to Expect and Do

Only children have many of the characteristics of first-born children only in triplicate. They tend to be even more responsible and greater perfectionists. They are comfortable with adults because they spend most of their time in adult company. Only Child Traits Close relationship to parents Good self control Leadership Skills Mature Dependable Unforgiving Demanding Sensitive – feelings easily hurt Difficulty sharing Overly critical of others Private May feel under pressure to succeed Also many of the first-born characteristics Parenting the Only Child Let them be a child. Only children are often mature for their age and it is easy for … Continue reading →

Parenting Your Youngest Child – What to Expect and Do

Your youngest child is your last child and to some degree every parent wants to keep them young. Last born children are driven to catch up with their older siblings. Youngest children always have someone to play with and as a result tend to be social. They also have a chance to develop their silly side, since the older siblings usually shoulder most of the responsibility. For these reasons youngest children have some unique characteristics. Last-born Traits Risk takers Outgoing Creative – idea person Strong people skills – love to talk to others Extrovert Competitive – pushes themselves to keep … Continue reading →

Parenting Your Middle Child – What to Expect and Do

Middle children exhibit the widest amount of traits. It is pretty much a given that they will be different than their older sibling. But their differences can manifest in a variety of ways. But many middle children do exhibit the following traits. Middle-born Traits Flexible Easy Going Peacemaker – can see all sides of a situation Social – may not feel like they have a special place in the family so friends become more important Generous – they are used to sharing Secretive – don’t openly share their feelings Adaptable Avoids conflict – tries to keep life smooth May feel … Continue reading →