Like many believe in the power of western astrology or the Chinese zodiac, I am a big proponent of the birth order effect. Oh, he’s a creative but shy? Must be because he’s a middle child. She’s selfish? Must be because she’s an only child and never learned to share. She’s aggressive and bossy? Must be a first-born. (That’s me. LOL.)  These are my assessments, not necessarily those of expert opinions that matter.

In the words of Jesse Pinkman “yeah, science!” I have always been more of a nurture versus nature girl myself so this is a natural inclination. Although I do believe there are cases where no matter the environment, some just turn out the way they do (good or bad) and nature rules. And I know a few exceptions to the birth order effect, of course. Any who, I find this topic fascinating and to me, it makes sense 80% of the time. Although I can’t personally account for those that come from huge families. I think this is good to keep in mind for parenting and learning to understand people’s personalities.  Plus I find it interesting that half of all US presidents and 21 of 23 US astronauts were first-borns.  Not that I’m biased or anything 😉

If you want to learn more, I found some good articles listed below:

Psychology Today

CNN

Scientific American (offers a view of differing opinion)

Parents

Psychologies