Birth order cannot explain all aspects of human behavior because personality is affected by other factors. These factors include spacing and sex of siblings, family size, education, heredity and upbringing. There are four standard classifications for birth order: the first-born, the only child, the middle child, and the baby of the family. The third or fourth born will usually pass on the feeling o

An only child is an exception to a first-born position; however, they are alike in many ways. An only child is a first born child that never has to deal with the feeling of abandonment when a new brother or sister enters the picture. The only child never has to share his/her parents’ undivided attention. Labels that are often applied to only children are lazy, spoiled, selfish, and somewhat conceited. Dr. Alfred Adler states that, “The only child has difficulties with every independent activity and sooner or later they become useless in life” (Stein). Many birth order researchers disagree with Adler’s theory of “The only child.” Often only children are among the top achievers in every area of profession.

Being the middle child of three in my family, I can relate to the middle child research. I am the most athletically competitive out of my siblings. Since the gap between my older sister and me is five years, I have on occasion taken on the role of first-born. I am a perfectionist, an over achiever, and I have been confused as to where I fit into the birth order, not quite the oldest, but not quite the youngest.

Middle children are hardest to classify because many factors weigh on them, such as the number of years between them and other siblings, as well as the sex of each sibling, and the personalities of the siblings. A middle child whose next oldest sibling is five or more years older may have first-born tendencies. Middle children may be outgoing or shy, responsible or reckless, laid-back or uptight, and all of these life-styles play off the first-born’s personality. In general middle children, struggle with an identity crisis, trying to be unlike their other siblings (Leman, 73). Middle children are not considered the high-achiever or the baby of the family, so this may cause the child to feel as if they have no role in the family. It is possible that these children look outside the family to define themselves, and friends become important. Middle children are used to being competitive for their parents’ attention, which helps them become successful in sports. Middle children learn to compromise, and to negotiate, and using these skills help the individual become successful. They become good listeners and try to avoid conflict (Forer, 57).

A problem that occurs with only children is their parents usually help them do everything, and do not let them struggle to do it for themselves (Leman, 51). Parents of only children set very high standards for their children, which may be unattainable for the child. This causes the child to become a discouraged perfectionist, because they are trying to do their best and it is not pleasing their parents (Forer, 10).

Most people would classify the youngest as being manipulative, charming, blames others, sh

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