Birth Order?

For a whole variety of reasons, not least my own children, I have been pondering a fair bit recently on the idea that birth order among siblings impacts on personalities, and in turn, on family dynamics.


Whether I am thinking of my own three children or other families I know, it seems that there is perhaps, a pattern?


Whether I am over analytical about children or adult personality traits, does birth order have an impact, d'you think?


I am one of five. I have three elder siblings and one younger brother. In theory then, I am the fourth born.


Which, apparently, means I carry the following traits:

• entertaining due to the ability to imitate many personalities.
• feels 'not big enough' thus isolated and has a desire for belonging.
• analyzes things from many points of view and can come up with ingenious and balanced ideas.
• is thoughtful, understanding and empathetic of others

However, amongst my elder siblings we have twins, so does that mean that I am really a third born type?

• acquainted with feeling vulnerable and can be clingy.
• thinks in comparative ways, giving rise to new ideas and even practical inventions.
• is sympathetic with others who are vulnerable and very protective.
• has challenges being cooperative with others due to having to survive by being rebellious.

Equally, there is a large age gap of nine years between my elder siblings and I - and as such, the elder three were always know as "the big children" when my younger brother and I were always known (and treated like) the "baby children". So would that make me adapt to "last born" traits? Which are, apparently -

• Social and outgoing
• Financially irresponsible
• Attention seeking lovers of limelight
• Manipulative and spoiled

And to throw a spanner in the works, my elder siblings were very much doing their own thing by the time I  came along, and I have a younger brother; (who, I hasten to add in case he is reading along, does NOT display last born traits...) So I wonder, so does the age gap simply make me more of a first born type?

 

• has the challenge of gaining the lost affection from parents when a baby brother/sister comes along, by waiting for attention.
• covers up the deep longing for love by being tough.
• is an over achiever and has perfectionist traits.
• finds it challenging to share thoughts and feelings.

Far out, it's a minefield! You can see why I am spinning out, thinking and reading about it all.


How about you?


Have you read books on birth order?


Any truth in it all for you?