Did you know that Bill Gates, Princess Diana, Abraham Lincoln and the Dali Lama were all middle children? Middle children are very independent, highly invested in the welfare of others and are bold and adventurous people. I agree, as a middle child, I would say I am highly invested in the welfare of others. But bold and adventurous? Well, in what context? (I recently tried a new shampoo, does that count?)
According to this new book, as a middle child, I have secret powers…..unexpected and remarkable abilities! Now the authors have my attention. How interesting and ironic that middle children “Think outside the box!” (This is the T-shirt I picked out to review for Snorg Tees.) Coincidence?
What other characteristics are notable in middle children? Middle children don’t like conflict and can let things slide. We can be resentful and envious. Yes, I can be resentful and envious but you would never know it because I would never tell you – I don’t like conflict!
What’s the best way for you to parent your middle child? According to the authors, don’t over-think and stress out about focusing extra attention on your middle child. Just relax! (I don’t have a middle child, but I am very good at relaxing – maybe that’s a middle child thing too.)
Here is a short Today Show clip featuring the authors of “The Secret Power of Middle Children.”
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Are you a middle child? Do you have some of the traits mentioned in the video? Or do you have more than two children and worry about your middle child getting enough attention? Please comment!
hmm, I dont have a middle child, nor am I a middle child. But honesy;y, from all tghe middle children I know, none of them are exceptionally different from the other two kids in the family
I am not a middle child but as a parent, I try to parent my kids the same.
Very interesting clip, I’ll need to run it by my sister and see if she agrees with me
I’m a middle child and I’m excited to read this book!
adoruhs (at) gmail dot com
Interesting, I’ll have to tell my brother about this (he’s the middle).
I’m the middle and I loved growing up that way. I never felt like my parents left me alone. I always felt as though I needed to be just as good as my sister, and I did look out for my brother. I can say that I am the peacemaker between the two of them. I dislike conflict very much but have come to terms with it, that it is a fact of life (I always want to be a part of the solution). I am very interested in reading this book.
This is fascinating stuff! I’ve read about middle children being the ones to retreat into the background, being the peace-keepers, but this is new and interesting.