Oldest Child Syndrome: How Your Sibling Position Can Shape Your Personality

Do you have oldest child syndrome? Experts believe that as the oldest child in the family, you are more likely to develop perfectionism or leadership skills.

What is eldest child syndrome? The oldest child is often forced to take care of the younger ones, as only the latter usually require more attention, also from the parents. This is precisely why the oldest children in the family begin to develop individual characteristics from a very early age, which experts have labeled as the 'eldest child syndrome'.

The so-called syndrome the first born, points out that your position in the family can also shape your identity. Whether you are the first, second or third child in the family, these predispositions are considered one of the primary factors in the formation of personality. Firstborns in particular are usually labeled as responsible persons, who are often attracted to leadership tasks in the family and life.

Being the oldest sibling may have its perks, but it can also sometimes feel like a burden. Often these children they feel high expectations, as well as stress, as they have to be a role model for other siblings. There are quite a few behavioral patterns associated with this. In an article published on VeryWellMind.com, they highlighted an ingrained sense of responsibility, as well as a strong drive for perfection.

Also, first-borns are more subject to the feeling of meeting expectations, especially the expectations of their parents, so often they obediently follow their instructions and house rules. The oldest children are often role models for the younger ones, so they are more ambitious, and they get the experience of a leadership position at a very early age.

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Eldest child, side two

On the other hand, because of their tendency towards perfectionism, first-borns can be competitive and impatient. Many theories about the development of oldest children are based on the idea that these children typically receive their parents' undivided attention from an early age, which may increase the likelihood that they will reaching developmental milestones early, especially those focused on intelligence and academic achievement.

Studies have thus shown that firstborns have an advantage when it comes to cognitive development around the age of four, including verbal development, perceptual and performance development, and quantitative skills. There is some evidence that firstborns also have a small advantage when it comes to early reading and literacy. Being the oldest sibling can also affect a child's emotional development. Since first-borns have to take on household responsibilities more quickly and take care of their siblings, they also mature more quickly. This can also affect their mental health, as these children often have the feeling that they were forced grow up too fast.

Psychologists today mostly agree that first-borns want to please their parents more than their younger siblings. They also play a more dominant role in the family. This is reflected in their personality with conscientiousness, extroversion, neuroticism and a more developed intellect. On the other hand, younger siblings are usually more flexible, free-spirited, sociable and rebellious.

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