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Let's face it, we are really only looking for someone to take the blame. As children, we pointed the finger as the pet dog or the neighbor kid; in adolescence, everything was the fault of our ignorant parents; and as adults running out of excuses, we find ourselves reflecting back on the deeply ingrained characteristics of our place in the family line-up....or, more commonly known as our "birth order".

Take heart, my friends. Researchers in the field of child development acknowledge that our birth order does indeed set us up to be who we are. Taking into account that each person is an individual, and that there exist a multitude of variables each and every family, one might be surprised at the accuracy of recent research.
For example, studies show that the only child often fits the following profile:
*Pampered and spoiled.
*Feels incompetent because adults are more capable.
*Is center of attention; often enjoys position. May feel special.
*Self-centered.
*Relies on service from others rather than own efforts.
*Feels unfairly treated when doesn't get own way. May refuse to cooperate.
*Plays "divide and conquer" to get own way.
*May have poor peer relations as child but better relations as adult.
*Pleases other only when wants to.
*Creative.

The first-born child, on the other hand, develops very different personality traits and characteristics. Because he is the "only child" for a short period of time, his personality changes as his positions shifts with the addition of a younger sibling. Typically, the first-born child will fit this profile:
*Believes must gain and hold superiority over other children.
*Being right, controlling often important.
*May respond to birth of second child by feeling unloved and neglected.
*Strives to keep or regain parents' attention through conformity.
If this failed, chooses to misbehave.
*May develop competent, responsible behavior or become very discouraged.
*Sometime strives to protect and help others.
*Strives to please.

You will notice so far that each position of birth demonstrates strengths and weaknesses. The middle child is no exception and may fit the following profile:
*Has neither rights of oldest nor privileges of youngest. Feels life is unfair.
*Feels unloved, left out, "squeezed."
*Feels doesn't have place in family.
*Becomes discouraged and "problem child" or elevates self by pushing down other siblings.
*Is adaptable. Learns to deal with both oldest and youngest sibling.

Finally, we review the profile of the youngest

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