what's it like BEING one of three?

[LilaAndLenuccia]

I'm curious about what it's like growing up one of three ir more siblings. There are lots of threads on here about parenting large families but what is it like growing up in one?

Assuming you currently have 2. I was the eldest of two, with a younger brother. We got on really well as children except that he was clearly the Golden Child. When there are two of you and an obvious favourite then the logical conclusion is that you are the unfavourite.

He went off the rails in early adulthood and I really wished we'd had another sibling for support, because I got caught up in it all. Later on when our DF died, again I wished for another sibling.

I have a lot of MH issues and have since my teens. Obviously not all down to being the eldest of 2, but it didn't help. Made it worse that my DM was also the elder sister of one younger brother and clearly felt the same, so I've no idea why she repeated it with us.

I had DD and then a DS and was so desperate to break the pattern that we went on to have a third, then eventually fourth and fifth.

I wonder if it's different dependent on the sex of the siblings? Three girls was hell for me, but lots of friends who were one of three with one brother/one sister loved it.

I'm the middle of 3, and loved it growing up, we're all quite close now

I'm one of many (more than 6, fewer than 10 trying not to out myself)

I loved it, yes cash was tight but most years we went overseas to stay with family, we did extra curricular stuff. My parents worked hard and we all helped. My relationship with each sibling is different and special. I love them
all very much, they have my back and I have theirs. If anything happens, there is a whole gang of people who would drop everything to help. That makes us all feel very secure and loved rather than smothered!

We're all independent, have all gone on to higher education and professional jobs. I like have their specialities and knowledge to draw on. I like having them to celebrate with and to mourn with. I'd feel lonely and bereft without them. We bickered growing up and have differences of opinion now, but our background and shared history draws us together.

But I don't know any different...

I am the eldest of 3 with 3 years 2 months between oldest and youngest. It was chaos throughout my childhood. My parents were always stressed, there was never any 1-1 attention and I felt herded around not treated as an individual. We all fought constantly. I am sticking with 2.

I'm #3 of 4, two boys then two girls. Very close in age, 18ish months between each of us. I had a very happy childhood and still see my siblings frequently, our children are all close in age too.
We weren't a well of family, we didn't have our own rooms, never went on holidays etc but none of that stuff matters. We never did without as far as I can see and it was great always having someone to play with growing up. We didn't really fight either that I can remember. It was great, I'd love four myself but the cost of childcare is crippling!! Will definitely be pushing for #3 in a few years though, #2 due after Xmas.