The Session: Parenting the Middle Child

Over the next few weeks, Tom & Scott turn their focus to parenting.  We start by focusing in the middle, with the Middle Child!  If you have a topic you would like us to talk about, please email [email protected]  The Middle Child Mark 10:13–16 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. 5 characteristics of a middle child:· They're peacemakers and pleasers.· They're competitive.· They try to fit in.· They are independent and focus on friendships.· They act out to get attentionCharacteristics of a Middle Child· Not as family-oriented as their siblings. They may have a stronger sense of not belonging than their siblings do. ...· Feeling overshadowed. They come to believe that their parents don't care about them. ...· Mobile. They're often the first sibling to move out of the house. ...· Not perfectionists. Middle Child Personality Traits The middle child is often a people-pleaser due to the lack of attention they get compared to older siblings and younger siblings. You may be a people pleaser if:-You want to avoid conflict. ...· You fear rejection. ...· You fear disappointing others. ...· You want something in return. ...· You want others to be nice to you. ...· You want to fit in. ...· You are easily influenced by others. ...· You are genuinely compassionate. What is the psychology behind the middle child? Since they are given some level of independence, they can end up developing initiative and creativity. Researchers found that middle children also become more sociable and outgoing since they learn to assert themselves and speak their mind. They also have a chance of being as well-adjusted as their siblings. Middle children are more independent as they gain confidence. Middle children typically have more freedom and less pressure growing up. Sometimes they can even get away with more things as a kid. What Is Middle-Child Syndrome?Many experts who study personality believe that your family’s birth order plays a role in your development. They see "middle-child syndrome" as the idea that if you're neither the oldest child nor the youngest, you get less attention from your parents and feel “caught in the middle”.‌As a result, you may take on certain personality traits that are different from those of your older and younger siblings. To reach Tom Russell, please call 419-709-8447, email Tom at [email protected], or visit his website at https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com