Birth Order Myths - True or Not ???

Is the oldest child destined for success?
by Jan Faull

Undoubtedly birth order affects us all. But as fascinating as it may be, birth order simply isn't the predictor for determining happiness, success and gratifying relationships. Nonetheless, some glaring personality traits seem to be related to the order of a person's arrival in a family.

If you're the oldest, you're probably:

* Most likely to succeed

* Most conscientious and reliable

* Conservative

* Self-critical

* A perfectionist

* Able to enjoy the company of older people

* The link between your parents and siblings

In addition, oldest children are:

* Seldom allowed to be just kids--their parents continually push them ahead and expect the most from them

* Often dethroned by younger siblings

* Convinced their siblings will outshine them

If you're the middle child, you're probably:

* A compromiser and negotiator

* The silent rebel against the family's values

* The one with the most friends, an effective team player

* Reticent, but dream of being catapulted to greatness

* Part of the woodwork, unless finally given a position of outright command

Middle children are also:

* Well aware they are frequently bypassed and upstaged by older or younger sibs

* Often eager to carve out a unique spot in the family, whether positive or negative

* Likely to be compelled to move away from the family to establish a secure spot among their peers.

If you're the youngest child, you're probably:

* Compelled to make a contribution to the world

* A show-off who enjoys the limelight

* Both a charmer and a rebel--endearing one minute, hard to deal with the next.

* Often the family clown.

* Creative.

Youngest children are also:

* Often stuck doubting the validity of their perceptions because they were often laughed at or not taken seriously.

* Likely to be compelled to do what the older children haven't.

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So, does this seem to hold true in your family? Do you think it's simply a myth and/or stereotype?

Yes, well, my two older sisters should be swapped around and I should start doubting the validity of my perceptions as there was never much dispute over them once I got bigger and angrier than my sisters.

Not only am I the eldest child, but so were my parents. Infact I'm a seventh generation eldest child on dad's side, and tenth generation on my mothers.

The stereotypes seem quite valid to me. I am very self crirical, until recently have preferred the company of older people and so on. However I'm not so sure about the success side - I haven't got to the place I was expected to be.

I'm also a Capricorn though, and we're supposedly born old and spend our lives getting younger. So whether its my birth sign or my horrorscope that gives me these attributes is uncertain

I'd say that those myths are somewhat true.

I'm the oldest child and I am:
- Not going to "succeed" because I hate working
- Conscientious and reliable
- Conservative in some aspects
- Way too self critical
- A perfectionist (at what is important to me)
- Not sure about being the link between my parents and brother

My younger brother is:
- Definitely compelled to make a difference in the world
- (Was) a showoff at sports (soccer/baseball/basketball), that is, until he got cancer
- (Was) a charmer and a rebel
- (Was) the family clown

Note: I say (Was) because cancer kind raped his whole persona..

Well Im the youngest and it looks like they nailed me on this one. I'm a showoff and the family clown.

Well, I just have one brother, but alot of those traits are pretty accurate. I have heard that in families with alot of children, that the IQ seems to decline with each child. I dont believe that though, a friend of mine is the youngest of 8 and she is rather bright.

Being the youngest brother meets those said things. trust me it sucks

I have an older brother and an older sister.
this fits each of us perfectly.

I have an older brother and an older sister.
this fits each of us perfectly.

I have an older brother and an older sister.
this fits each of us perfectly.