2. What is birth order?
• The order in which children are born into a
family has an influence on the development of
the children.
• The stages of the family life cycle are based on
the age of the OLDEST CHILD because
everything the firstborn does is new to the
parents.
3. Exceptions …
• Age gap of more than three years cancels out birth
order effects. For example, a family with two
children born five years apart may feel like they have
two “first borns” in some ways.
• Twins are born with virtually no age gap. Their
birth order may or may not follow their literal order
of birth. It can make some difference on how much
the parents emphasize who is the oldest and the
youngest. Usually, the twins will establish some sort
of order based on their individual
personalities. They may even share characteristics
of two roles depending on how many children there
are in the family.
4. Birth Order
• First borns- go to Table 1
• Middle children- go to table 3
• Last borns- go to table 6
• Only children- go to table 8
5. When you are at your table …
• Create a list:
• 5 characteristics of your birth order
• 5 advantages to being in your birth order place
• 5 disadvantages to being in your birth order
place
6. Oldest Child/First Borns
• Usually set up as an
example to the other
children.
• Treated more like an adult
by his/her parents.
• A high achiever.
• Given and accepts more
responsibility than the
other children.
• Usually college-bound.
• Independent.
• Affectionate.
7. Middle child
• May work extra-hard
to get recognition.
• Is usually a
peacemaker.
• Is somewhat average
in schoolwork, but is
an all-around good
student.
• Is usually a calm,
even-tempered adult
8. Last Born/Youngest Children
• Gets a lot of attention, along
with a lot of bossing.
• May be spoiled.
• May be undisciplined and
irresponsible.
• Is easy-going about school.
• Likes to associate with
someone who takes charge
of situations.
9. Only Children
• Held to high expectations
• “adultized”
• High self esteem
• feel socially self-conscious
• values privacy
• Sensitive to disapproval
10. Effects of birth order on marriage
• Oldest marrying a youngest- the youngest is
used to being taken care of and the oldest lies
taking care of other
• Two youngest- will have lots of fun together, but
may resent each other later because no one is
taking care of each other
• Two oldest- admire and respect each other
because of the traits they possess. May have
problems trying to agree on things.
