Your Personality Might be a Result of Your Birth Order

How does an individual’s personality develop?

There is obviously a combination of characteristics and qualities that contribute to someone’s character.  Beliefs, actions, genetics, and responses to various factors can all influence an individual’s personality.

But did you know that one of the most influential elements is birth order? Whether you’re the oldest, youngest, or somewhere stuck in between, it has been scientifically proven that your personality is influenced by the placement in your family.

According to Parent Magazine, the oldest child typically strives for perfection. In addition to setting a precedent for the other children, the first born tends to be reliable, conscientious, structured, cautious, controlling, and an overachiever. In addition, the oldest tends to be considered as a third parent, expected to look after his or her younger siblings. First borns are also known to be diligent and to excel at winning over people’s hearts as a result of their many positive qualities. As an oldest child myself, I can definitely relate to these qualities. I am cautious and always conscientious of my actions. Furthermore, my parents look to me to watch over my sister and care for her when they can not. Senior Brendan Carroll agreed that his older brother Matt is “reliable and someone you can always count on. He’s also very well liked by adults and often praised for his desire to excel.”

Contrary to the oldest child, the youngest is much more free spirited and less likely to abide to rules. Perhaps this is due to the fact that by the time the youngest child comes around, parents are essentially done with being stern with their children. This “laissez-faire” parenting style results in a relaxed and fun loving child who tends to be more of a “wild child.” Qualities that are generally associated with the youngest include fun-loving, easy going, manipulative, outgoing, spoiled, attention seeking, and self-centered. Freshman Julia Mackey says her sister Ella fits the profile perfectly. “She refuses to follow directions, and if she is told not to do something it makes her want to do it even more.”  

So now that the qualities of the youngest and oldest have been established, what happens to the second, third, and sometimes even fourth child who are trapped in between? Middle children often feel neglected, and lack a sense of place in their family unit. As a result of this, middle children thrive outside of their immediate family. Senior Alex Hardenberg, who is the youngest of four noticed that his two older brothers Brian and Michael fit this description.

“Michael thrived in Verona’s music program and through academics. He was always hard at work which eventually paid off when he was named valedictorian of Verona High School’s Class of 2013. Meanwhile, Brian chose to dedicate himself to athletics, and led the Verona Hillbillies football team as a captain in the 2008 season.”

Furthermore, middle children thrive on friendships, and tend to have a large social circle. In addition, the middle children tend to be receive a different parenting style than their older sibling. Parents tend to correct the mistakes they made with the oldest child. However, this does not mean that parents choose to be stricter. In fact it seems that with each child, parents tend to have a more and more relaxed approach. Sophomore Ashley Nigro is the oldest of six and agreed that her parents have become less strict with each child.

As a whole each and every one of us has a unique personality. There are numerous factors that can affect this, but who would have thought that the placement of your birth would be an influential element?