"I am the third-born... so what?"

Did you know that a person's birth-order in the family can influence their behaviour? 

According to Alfred Adler, a re-known psychologist, "your place in the family largely determines how you cope with people and the world". This is because, the family is the first social community within which  you interact.

"So take a moment and consider your position in your family. Your life was probably affected by being a first-born or last-born or perhaps by being an only child." says Louis H.Janda, in her book Psychology-- Study and Uses. 

Adler recognised five basic birth-order positions:

The First- Born
The first born usually  receives and enjoys unrestrained love and attention from parents until the second child arrives. Consequently, they are prone to jealousy and anxiety when the love shifts or is divided. Where they are excessively pampered by their parents, they are likely to feel discouraged and resentful of the next child because they may feel "dethroned".

As they get older, however,  they assume responsibility over their younger sibling(s) which often makes them highly organised, conscientious and conservative in attitude. With time as well, they develop acceptable ways of coping with life's tasks but if their social interest is inadequate, they may become suspicious or hostile to others.

One good thing research has shown  is that as adults, 'First-borns' are often high - level scholars! and eminent in their chosen careers than later-born children.

As a 'first-born' do these traits describe you or anyone you know?

There will be more on the other birth-order positions in subsequent posts.

Thank you!