Family Stages / Goals Birth Order

Stage Main Goal 1. Couple without children 2. Family with children (Newborn – Preschool) 3. Family with school age 4. Family with adolescence  Develop trust  Develop independence & self direction  Develop initiative & steady effort  Guidance / Assist with identity

Stage Main Goal 5. Family with young adult (soon leaving) 6. Couple without children (moving towards grandchildren) 7. Aging couple (widows / widowers & grandparent)  Maintain relationship with children  Share interests; take pride in accomplishments  Maintain satisfaction with life

Birth Order  Describe the first born.  What is your perception of the “baby” of the family?  How does an only child act?

First Born  50% of US Presidents are 1 st born  Famous 1 st born – Truman, Carter, W. Bush, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey  Traits  Goal setting  High achievement  Responsible  Rule follower  Attention to detail  Perfectionism

Second Born  1 st born is a “pacemaker”  Famous 2 nd born – David Letterman, Donald Trump  Traits  Competitive  Feelings of inadequate  May rebel  Attempt to “out do” siblings

Third Born  “Sandwiched in” / May get lost in the crowd  Considered the “iffy” child (unpredictable)  Famous “middle child” – George Washington, Richard Nixon, Jay Leno, Britney Spears  Traits  Flexible  Peacemaker  Social  Independent thinker (may rebel)

Last Born  The “baby” of the family  Often “on their own” with siblings  Famous “babies” – Katie Couric, Billy Crystal, Bob Hope, Jim Carey, Harriet Tubman  Traits  Risk takers  Outgoing  Sense of humor / Affectionate  Question authority  Attention seeking  Down to earth