Middle Child Syndrome - does it exist? Is it possible to avoid it?

[McDreamy]

Now that I am pregnant with number 3 I have been thinking about how the dynamics of our family might change and top of my list is "Middle Child Syndrome" Is it a myth? If not what can I do to avoid it happening to DS? (apart from having another one!!!!!)

I am one of three but I was the eldest so it didn't apply to me. Maybe I should have a chat with my brother?

MCS exists my sister studied it in psychology, she being the eldest of 3 girls, me being the middle!!

My Mum (and I do love her to bits) will STILL respond to any comment on my age with "oh my god that means my baby is X"

I believe it is how you parent your children in whether MCS becomes a problem.

You are never the first to do anything and never the last.

I also personally feel that the "baby" of the family has a tough time establishing themselves in the world if they are babied, my younger sister suffers from that and acknowledges it.

However, we are all well rounded, pretty sane people and get on very well as adults. All 3 of us are in long term stable relationships.

I could see this being something to keep an eye out for, but not something that is a problem carved in stone.

When my friend mentions her mn, it's to say that he's no trouble. Unlike her eldest who presses all her buttons, or her youngest who is very princessy and precious and awake half the night.

I wouldn't say anything, but her mn is never rewarded for being no trouble!! If she took him out on his own from time to time it'd be great I think. Or held him up as an example to the others, that THEY should be following. Perhaps.

My Mum is the middle child of the first 3 kids in a family of 6 kids (My Gran had a 10 yaer gap between first 3 kids then next 3!

My mum is a classic middle child. Always feels left out, older sister was more popular, prettier and younger sis was naughtier an demanded more attention.

Still, I have an only child and taht can have its pros and cons too!

I have 3 DSs and I would say that the middle one is the most laid back, relaxed and well behaved out all of them

There is a really good book called BunBun the middle one, its aimed at young middle children. Bun Bun is a middle child rabbit and its about how important he is to the family. The filling in the sandwich etc.
I am middle of 5! MCS def exists when you are young, never the oldest never the youngest. For what its worth now, i think i am the most balanced now!

My poor mum had MCS - just like Long Live Green Elizabeth says - her elder sister was "the clever one" and spoken to and treated like an adult (even though only 18 mts between them), her younger brother was the much-longed-for boy and "the naughty one" - so in the middle she feels that she was basically ignored (she is a very calm, easygoing person to boot). So-called MCS isn't a myth just like first child advantage is pretty well-researched but thoughtful parents can do their very best to ensure it doesn't creep into their family I think!