Only children

Only children are like super first borns. They have all first born characteristics but they seem to be amplified.

The relationship seems very intense between parents and only children. They certainly seem to be hot-housed. I am seeing many only children with great verbal skills but a little shaky when it comes to being flexible enough to try new activities.

Siblings are more influential than parents

Siblings are more influential than parents on children over time. As
children we spend more time around siblings than parents and peers. Our
siblings generally outlive our parents. We learn to fight and be friends by
interacting with our siblings.

It is the permanance of siblings that makes them so influential. You can
choose your firneds but you can't choose your siblings - you have to learn
to live with them. Valuable life skills that stay for life.

For more ideas about sibling influence read the best-seller "Why first borns
rule the world and last borns want to change it" which can be found at
www.parentingideas.com.au

Youngest children doubt themselves the most

It seems that youngest children in the family are the children who have the
most self-doubts when it coimes to ability. They always seem to measure
themselves against an older sibling who is more capable due to their age.
Often youngest children really blossom when eldest siblings either leave
school, change schools or leave home.

Youngest children should thank their elder siblings

I firmly believe all youngest children should thank their elder siblings for breaking their parents in for them. Most parents practise on the first two children and the younger children benefit from their experience as parents and their greater perspective. Youngest kids have it easy compared to eldest children in a family. Youngest daughters have their fathers wrapped around their little fingers and youngest sons have their mothers as allies for life.

For more ideas about birth order visit www.parentingideas.com.au

First born perfectionists

Many first borns are perfectionists, particularly first born boys.
Perfectionists are difficult to live with. They are low risk-takers, often
high achievers, but are often afraid to step out of their comfort zones and
try new things. First borns seek adult approval as children so they stick to
the safe path so that approval is assured. Many first born boys are praise
junkies - they want you to praise their efforts. They want praise but need
encouragement, which focuses on the process of what they do, rather than the
results.

Perfectionists fear failure so they often only tackle activities where they
are assured of success. Many perfectionists are also procrastinators. They
put off tackling new activities until success is assured. The trouble is
often the conditions are never right so they continually put off activities.
Perfectionists first borns need to be taken seriously. They also need to be
encouraged to start then improve or get better. They need to learn the
difference between excellence and perfection, and settle for the former.

For ideas to help perfectionists read Why first borns rule the world and
last borns want to change it available at www.parentingideas.com.au