Getting To Know The Middle Child Syndrome, The Eldest Sister Who Likes To Rebel

Illustration of middle child syndrome (Pexels/Eren Li)

YOGYAKARTA – The middle child or the eldest brother and the youngest brother, tend to have unique characters. Known as middle child syndrome or middle child syndrome, they are sometimes rebellious, sometimes pleasant to others, and peaceful.

Middle child syndrome is identified by birth order. Firstborns, for example, tend to be dependable and conscientious, so they have a Type A personality or are more of a perfectionist. This may be because the parents acted as directed in paying attention to the eldest child. On the other hand, parents act most relaxed with the youngest child. So they tend to be fun and uncomplicated. But because they often try to match their older sibling, the youngest may act selfish, attention-seeking, and manipulative.

Launching Parents, Friday, August 12, to compensate for the lack of attention, middle children usually act rebellious or try to please others. Their behavior is based on their brother's personality. For example, if the older brother is structured and responsible, the middle child may rebel to distract him.

Illustration of middle child syndrome (Pexels/Allan Mas)

According to child and family therapist, Meri Wallace, middle children often go to extremes to get attention. That's why some of them look rebellious or fanatical about certain bands, for example.

Michelle P. Maidenberg, Ph.D., a New York-based child and family therapist, adds that middle children are also more friendly and polite. This is because they have to compromise frequently throughout life. They, the middle child, finally complied with the eldest's wishes and the youngest's needs, Maidenberg added.

On the positive side, it helps them to be more independent and maintain realistic expectations. What's more, middle children tend to seek more relationships outside the family. They often have a larger social circle and close friendships.

Even if their middle child excels at mediating conflict in their personal or professional life, they may struggle with self-confidence issues. Because they often feel neglected.

Through the explanation above, parents need to understand the importance of giving fair attention to all their children, both the eldest, middle child, and youngest. Parents also need to understand the skills of each child. Avoid comparing achievements with each other because it can create 'hostility', it's better to support each of their processes.