Birth Order Essay

Lupita Aranda
August 27, 2014
Period 2

Can Birth Order Define Who You Are?

        "Being in a family is like being in a play. Each birth order position is like a different part in a play, with distinct and separate characteristics for each part. Therefore, if one sibling has already filled a part, such as the good child, other siblings may feel they have to find other parts to play, such as rebellious child, academic child, athletic child, social child, and so on.” This statement from Jane Nelson explains that each child is different and unique in their own way. Birth order can influence the traits of each child and their personality. For example, I play the role of the middle child in my family. Birth order defines some of my traits, but not all of them. According to some researchers, the middle child can have contradictory characteristics, but may have a better chance to succeed in the future.

            The middle child’s personality is very different to the personality of the oldest child. For example, my brother and I are the exact opposite when it comes to personality wise. My brother is more sociable and easier to get along with. I am a little more shy and it takes time for people to get to know me well. I am actually starting to become more sociable than I was before, which is good because I want to meet new people and have more friends. Another example, is that I am more independent and get embarrassed more than my brother. I am independent, but it usually depends. I like being alone in my room because it gives me time to relax and think. Although, I do like doing group projects because I like getting ideas from other people and interacting with them. I do get embarrassed, but not as much as I used to when I was younger. Being the center of attention causes me to get embarrassed because it makes me feel self-conscious. In contrary, my brother doesn’t care if he gets embarrassed, and he isn’t really independent. He likes to be around people all the time. I would say that the research about the middle child’s personality compared to the oldest is pretty accurate.

          Researchers say that the middle child tends to feel “left out”. I would defiantly not agree with this statement because I have never felt left out. My sister and I are usually the ones who go out with my family and spend time with them the most. For example, if my parents go shopping, my sister and I usually go except for my older brothers. I love spending time with my family because they always make me laugh. Another evidence I don’t agree with is that the middle child has very few pictures of their family. I have two photo albums and a huge box containing very old pictures. Pictures are very valuable to me because they bring back memories of enjoyable times and relatives who have passed away. I love to look through the photos once in a while because it makes me laugh of how my mom dressed me and how she used to do my hair. I have always been involved and close to my family. In addition, I have many pictures of my family.

            Typical middle children are usually interested in careers involving negotiation, compromise, being managers, and leaders according to research. On the other hand, I’m more interested in careers involving sports and health related jobs. Subjects that interest me are sports medicine, kinesiology, and the medical field. I would like to become an athletic trainer or a physical therapist one day. Being a radiologic technologist is another option I might pursue.

            In addition, researchers believe that middle children have good relationships with people. I strongly agree with this statement for several reasons. Having a positive relationship allows people to trust, respect, and be loyal with each other. For example, I have a very good relationship with my Mom. Whenever I have a problem or concern, I can always look up to her for advice. In my ups and downs, my mom is always by my side, which allows me to trust her. Also, she always supports me in everything I do, such as taking me to my soccer tournaments. I believe having a positive relationship with people will have a positive effect in the future.

           In conclusion, this research provides some traits that were accurate for me, but some were also inaccurate. An example that was very accurate for me is having the exact opposite personality compared to my oldest sibling. On the other hand, a career involving negotiation and compromise is inaccurate for me. I am actually interested in careers involving sports and health related jobs. The birth order research changed my views and perceptions. My birth order has given me a different options of some careers I should pursue. This has also given me advice, such as trying to be more outgoing and easier to get along. The birth order research has changed my view of the middle child because I viewed them as having similar traits to their siblings. This has made me realize the every individual has a different personality, traits, and interests. What’s very fascinating is that middle children in different families can have very similar traits. Anyway, I thought the birth order research is somewhat accurate in defining my personality and traits.