1. Birth Order! Interpersonal Studies

2. What is Birth Order?

3. Have you ever looked at one of your siblings and thought, "How can we be so different?" Maybe your older sister acts like the boss of the world, or your little brother is always showing off. Have you ever looked at one of your siblings and thought, "How can we be so different?" Maybe your older sister acts like the boss of the world, or your little brother is always showing off.

4. But what if you were the oldest instead of the youngest child? Or in the middle instead of the oldest? Or what if you had a sibling instead of being an only child? Life in your family would be way different, sure. But would you be any different?

5. The answer is: probably! One of the many things that affects who we are, and how we relate to the people in our family, is "birth order." This means whether our parents had us first, second, last, etc...or as an only child.

6. Learning about birth order is a fun way to look at yourself and how you get along at home, in school, and with friends.

7. What we know about birth order comes from experts who studied many different people, but of course, you're a unique individual. As you read these descriptions, you might think, "That's NOT me!"

8. When looking at the common personality traits for your birth order, ask yourself why certain ones fit you and others don't.

9. Also, remember that every family is different.

10. Birth order gets a lot more complicated in situations where there are adopted children, step-children, half-brothers or half-sisters, or where one of the children is physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled. Birth order gets a lot more complicated in situations where there are adopted children, step-children, half-brothers or half-sisters, or where one of the children is physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled.

11. If this is the case, think about how birth order and your family's situation may have combined to influence your personality traits.

12. First Born

13. Anything a first-born child does is a big deal, simply because it's a first for his or her family. Until a second child comes along, family and friends usually shower first-borns with attention.

14. As a result, many first-born kids end up with a lot of natural confidence. Even if you're not the very first child born in your family, you might have some "first-born" traits if you're the first son or daughter, or if you were born more than five years after your next-oldest sibling.

15. If you're a twin, triplet, etc., the child who comes out first (even if it's just by a few minutes!) will often have first-born characteristics.

16. Did you know...That almost all of the U.S. Presidents were either the first-born child or the first-born son in their families? All but two of the first astronauts sent into space were first-borns, and the other two were "only children"?

17. Famous First-Borns Men and Women George W. Bush Hillary Rodham Clinton Bill Cosby Oprah Winfrey

18. Here are some personality traits that are common in first-borns:

19. Confident: All that attention over everything you do makes you more likely to believe in yourself.

20. Determined: Because your family might depend on you to get things done, you're probably good about finishing the projects you start.

21. Born Leader: Whether on the soccer field or in the classroom, you are often in charge. Oldest children are usually given the responsibility of baby-sitting and taking care of the house, so they get early training in being the boss.

22. Organized: You probably know where to find things, like your books, your Mom's keys, or your homework assignment. Even if your folders are a little messy, it's likely that you have a system.

23. Eager to Please: It's easy for oldest children to fall into this routine because they started out with a very strong need for Mom and Dad's approval, and eventually this spilled over to other adults such as teachers or coaches. When there's a job to be done, it's usually a first-born who jumps up and says "I'll do it!”

24. Likes to Avoid Trouble: When people expect a great deal from you, it can be hard to speak up or complain about something. You might not want to be seen as causing problems or less than "perfect.” So, being the oldest has its up and downs. There's definitely some pressure that comes with it!

25. Parents might expect more of you and be more strict, especially if they're still setting up the rules of the family. If you're a first-born, these feelings may be familiar:” Everyone depends on me.” "I can't get away with anything.” "I don't get to be a kid.” "Why do I have to do it? Nobody else does anything around here.” "How come I'm responsible for what my little brother or sister did?”

26. Given the role that a first-born plays in a family, these feelings are understandable...and very common! However, that doesn't mean you can't change things. It's important to talk to a parent about the responsibilities, expectations, and rules that you feel are unfair or are making you feel bad.

27. In the Middle

28. If you're a "middle child," you might feel like you were born too late to get the special first-born treatment.

29. For example, the first time a baby says "mama" is a big-time event in a parent's life. When they have a second baby, and he or she says "mama," the parents are just as proud, but it doesn't usually pack the same "wow.

30. "This might be why many middle and youngest children find fewer photos of them in the family photo albums, or at least fewer photos of them by themselves. Kids that come along later are sharing their parents' attention, while the first- born didn't have to share.

31. You might also feel like you were born too early to get the attention that the "baby" of the family gets.

32. But there's a bright side! Did you know that middle children usually have it easier than their oldest or youngest siblings?

33. Here's why: Your family was probably super- nervous about everything your oldest sibling did, but by the time you came into the picture, they might have been more like, "She ate dirt again? Oh, well. It won't kill her.”

34. Parents are often more easy-going and less demanding with second and third children. As a result, many middle children end up with a more relaxed attitude towards life than their older sibs.

35. Here are some personality traits that are common in middle children:

36. Roll with It: Middle children often handle disappointments better. Say you strike out in softball and lose the game. If you were a first- born, you might feel guilty all day, but if you're a middle child, you'll probably find yourself just laughing it off.

37. Great Negotiator: Middles can be great at seeing both sides of an issue. After all, they’re in the perfect place of it!

38. Lots of Loyal Friends: Middles tend to make friends easily. Once they have them, they often work harder to keep them. They're usually good at keeping secrets, too. Lots of Loyal Friends: Middles tend to make friends easily. Once they have them, they often work harder to keep them. They're usually good at keeping secrets, too.

39. Famous Folks in the Middle: Jay Leno Susan B. Anthony Donald Trump Barbara Walters

40. If you're a middle child, these feelings may be familiar: "I'm tired of being left out of things.” "Nobody understands me!” "Nobody ever listens to me!” "I'm always in the shadow of my older sister/brother.” "My youngest brother/sister gets away with everything.”

41. Sometimes middle children have to try a little harder to "be heard" or get noticed, so remember: if you feel like you're being treated unfairly or not getting the attention you need, talk to a parent about it.

42. They might not even realize what's been going on. Middle children are really special because the term "middle" can mean so many different things. For example, you could be the second of three kids, the third of four kids, the fifth of six kids, or a twin.

43. Youngest

44. Okay, so your parents have already had one or two children. By the time the youngest child takes his or her first steps, they may not even get out the video camera.

45. For this reason, many "youngests" of the family crave the spotlight. They'll often work hard to be the center of attention or break the rules.

46. Here are some famous "rule-breaking" youngest children:

47. In 1530, the scientist Copernicus said that the earth revolves around the sun. This theory was the opposite of what most people thought back then. In fact, scientists who followed his work were punished for believing him.

48. Harriet Tubman's father taught her scouting, which means being able to find your way in nature. When she was thirty she escaped her brutal slave life by traveling alone, following the North Star from Maryland to Philadelphia. Her Underground Railroad freed an estimated 300 slaves.

49. We're glad that these youngests decided to go against the norm! Send in the clowns: Often, youngest children love to make people laugh or take center stage. Many actors and comedians are the youngest children in their families.

50. Famous Youngests: Drew Carey Rosie O'Donnell Jim Carey Whoopi Goldberg Billy Crystal Eddie Murphy

51. Here are some personality traits that are common in youngest children:

52. Persistent: When it comes to a goal, many youngests just won't give up!

53. A Great Storyteller: Whether it's true or not, youngest kids can spin a mighty good yarn.

54. Affectionate: Youngest children often have plenty of hugs and kisses to give out. Now, the downside. Although it's fun to be in the spotlight, many youngest children find that their parents don't give them a lot of attention or praise during important first-time events like tying a shoe or riding a bike.

55. If you're the youngest, these feelings may be familiar:” I have to work hard to get other people to pay attention to me!” "Nobody takes me seriously.” "Everyone treats me like I'm younger than I am.”

56. Remember: when treatment from a parent or sibling seems unfair and makes you feel bad in the long run, talk to someone about it.

57. Only Children

58. Imagine if you grew up never having to share the bathroom, your toys, or the TV? Do you think this would affect your personality and relationships?

59. "Only children" spend a lot of time with grown- ups, so they can often be confident and well- spoken.

60. Sometimes people even think of them as "little adults"! At the same time, they can find themselves under a ton of pressure to succeed.

61. Famous "Onlies”: Robert DeNiro Natalie Portman Tommy Lee Jones Charlize Theron Robin Williams Sarah Michelle Gellar

62. There are many reasons why a Mom and Dad might have only one child. Sometimes it's not physically possible for them, but often, it's because this is their choice.

63. Here are some common personality traits of "only children":

64. Confident: Only children are usually not afraid to make decisions and are comfortable with their opinions.

65. Pays Attention to Detail: They like things to be organized and are often on time

66. Good in School: Onlies tend to read a lot and have a good memory for facts and figures.

67. It's MINE!: Only children might have difficulty sharing or going second because they have always been first in line for everything.

68. Overly Critical: While being a perfectionist is not such a bad thing, you may have a tendency to take this to extremes and be really critical of yourself and others.

69. If you're an "only," these feelings may be familiar:

70. "I didn't do as well as I should have.” "Sometimes I feel lonely.” "I would be much happier with a brother or sister.” "I'm not getting enough attention.”

71. Even though, as an only child, you probably spend a lot of time talking with your parents, make sure you express yourself to them about any long-term feelings that get you down.

72. For more information on this topic, you can read the work of Dr. Kevin Leman, author of "The New Birth Order Book" for his contribution to this topic.