How to Prevent Middle Child Syndrome

Raising a family of three or more children can give parents cause to worry about the effects of "middle child syndrome." Dr. Kevin Leman, author of ̶0;The Birth Order Book,̶1; points out that birth order can influence a child̵7;s personality, self-confidence and aspirations. Middle children often feel pressured by their siblings̵7; accomplishments and feel like they need to compete for their parents̵7; attention. It̵7;s not all bad in the middle, though; middle kids are often more flexible, laid-back and independent than their brothers and sisters.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make it a point to notice when your middle child is being left out by her siblings. Plan a special outing for just the two of you to a park, an ice cream shop or to the latest blockbuster film she̵7;s been dying to see. Read together in the evening and spend plenty of time snuggling and discussing the day̵7;s events before putting her to bed for the night.

    • 2

      Applaud your middle child̵7;s accomplishments with the same zeal and sincerity that you gave to your first child. Create her own special baby book with photographs of each milestone, such as her first haircut or first lost tooth. Attend her events, whether she plays an instrument in the school band or plays soccer for the local recreation department. Build her confidence by praising her successes.

    • 3

      Resist showing favoritism to your children, even if you naturally relate to one more than the others. Discover the way that each of your children receives love and feels encouraged, and tell them you love them every day. Spend time showing love to your middle child doing what she enjoys, such as cooking dinner together, playing cards on a lazy Sunday or by simply giving her a big hug before going to school each morning.

    • 4

      Steer clear of making comparisons between your children. Avoid saying, ̶0;Your brother always cleaned his room without my asking him to,̶1; or ̶0;Why can̵7;t you get good grades like your sister?̶1; Recognize that each of your children live according to his own timetable and strengths, including learning to ride a bike, acing a Spanish test or making friends.

    • 5

      Foster your child̵7;s personal talents, skills and desires. Allow her to try out new activities, instruments or sports that interest her. Instruct all of your children to encourage each other and support each other̵7;s activities to help create family unity.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Is Cinnamon Safe for Kids?
      Many parents worry about what they feed their child. Some foods have too much fat, others are high in sugar and still others have no vitamins or minerals. A varied and well-balanced diet is the key to good overall health, growth and development, so b
    • Dangers of Playing With Fire
      It is never too soon to teach your children about the dangers of playing with fire. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children under the age of 5 are especially at risk to suffer injury or death from fire. But teenagers and
    • Dinner Etiquette Rules for Children
      If your evening meal includes little hands reaching across the table, food flying from open mouths, smacking lips or spilled milk, its time to teach your child table manners. Even preschoolers can grasp the concept of appropriate behavior at the dinn