Being the ‘middle child’ is hard, but it isn’t all bad. A middle child comes from a lifetime of patience, and perseverance and is a ‘one-person army.’ It is not always negative things associated with being the middle child; it’s also a lot of fun.
Have you wondered why there is a ‘Middle Child Day’ celebrated on the 12th of August and no first, third, last or how many more to follow?
They supposedly dedicated this ONE DAY to honor and recognize the ‘middle children’ lost in the shuffle. Make it a ‘Me’ day. You have 24 hours and then, ‘Tick Tock Tick Tock’ when the clock strikes midnight, ‘POOF’ in the blink of an eye, you are non-existent for another 365 days.
The middle children have no defined roles to play or bogged down by any family expectations. The positives of being a middle child are significant but do not push buttons however tempting this may sound.
Remember, middle children are forever on the ‘hit list’ so tread carefully. Nothing fatal but to be on guard. This is something only a middle child will understand. You are born ‘second’ but come ‘last.’
Middle children have a unique perspective about almost everything, good at gauging family dynamics, and knowing what makes family members tick. By closely watching the daily soap opera around them, they get to play the ‘Double Agent.’ The middle child carves out an original way that more defines a sense of self, learns the art of negotiation, and develops strategies.
Never attempt to stake your claim. Keep tabs on everything, especially when siblings fight, so you can use it against them when the opportunity is right. It’s payback time! Watch your back because they can be devious. They will make sure that parents are nowhere in sight but God forbid, if mom or dad should pop-up, get ready to take the blame. You see your siblings hugging each other and parents look at you and ask, ‘what did you do?’ You look at your siblings for support and all you get is a poker face and they playing victims seeking justice.
Wondering if they are family? Stay calm, check your pulse and remind yourself that you don’t want to be anything like the older or the younger because you’ve had more than your share of both to last a lifetime. Let them enjoy as long as the going is good. Little do they know they are under surveillance and you are the spy who can sabotage their dubious schemes. You know the secrets and have the inside scoop.
Don’t walk out or stage a kidnap to get attention. No one is coming looking for you and they will settle for ransom.
Be careful how you seek attention. The minute you excel at something, especially household chores, they shower you with praise and admiration. Don’t get carried away and ask to shoulder more work and stress when your life is already ebbing away.
The word ‘middle’ taken so literally sometimes deprive middle children from the window seats on long drives. Don’t argue or they will leave you behind to babysitting yourself. Grrr!
Walking into school with siblings is another nightmare. If teachers approaching, run for your life before they ask you for the umpteenth time, ‘why can’t you do as well as your sister?’ What is it with these teachers? Why can’t they just focus on preparing lessons!
If this is not bad enough, wait for family gatherings when middle children are the butt of jokes regarding being forgotten or hunted down. It makes us wonder, ‘If we are adopted or what!’
Middle children are constantly reminded that the older is smarter, and the younger is adorable. If you ever try to get your way, you will be told that you are either too young or too old and never allowed to act your age.
During family introductions, sprint to the middle, otherwise it would just be ‘this is my oldest’ and ‘this is my youngest’ and won’t have the same ring for you.
Thanks to going unnoticed, I would sneak and snack, hoping to get fatter so easier to get noticed. That didn’t work! However, got lucky when I didn’t fit into all the hand-me-down clothes from the older. No tuck-ins were possible! There were times when everyone thought I am destined for great things when my school grades picked-up. Thanks to all the pre-done exercises in my elder sister’s school books that were passed on to me.
Having sisters is a blessing and I wouldn’t trade my birth order for anything in the world. We shared so very many bonding moments during our childhood, we would find common ground and were partners in crime. When I think back to the times we had as kids, it brings a smile to my face. They are a core part of my life and will remain rooted in the fond memories we share.
Are ‘Middle Children’ on the verge of extinction with couples now opting for smaller families? We could be a dying breed!
Enjoy being the ‘Middle Child.’ There is never a dull moment and you get the full sibling experience!
“The full sibling experience….” Ha-ha. You telling me!
😊
Wow! Interesting reflective piece Sabita. I guess every child has challenges growing up…wonder how it was with larger families back in the days of our grandparents or great grandparents 🤔.
No clue but for sure they must have been the loudest house on the block. The kids must have had loads of fun and as adults, a large support system. There are pros and cons to any size family.
It’s a very guarded write up. There is much more a Middle one goes thru read suffers all life than what you covered. It’s a niggling pain for life. Don’t want to be charged on that. Before that happens bye bye.
Yes I completely agree with you. I have a word count to be conscious of so only skimmed the surface 😉 I could write a book on this topic. I’m disappearing as well before I’m disowned. LOL!