Being the eldest has its upsides.
For one, you get more privileges and attention.
Bonus: You can guide your younger siblings in life at times when your parents may not be able to.
However, some studies show that many firstborns share some similarities with each other.
Here are five facts about firstborn children backed up by science.
5 Facts About Firstborn Children
They’re More Likely to Be Smarter
Firstborns are shown to have a much higher intellect; being able to outperform their younger siblings in various cognitive assessments.
Scientists attribute this trait to parents investing more time and effort in raising their eldest child.
First-time parents tend to shower their firstborns with more attention, since they don’t want to mess up their first attempt at raising another human being.
This translates to better education, better privileges and better parenting.
They’re More Likely to Be Successful
With the advantage they get from having their parents’ undivided attention in various aspects of their life, particularly education, firstborns tend to be more successful as well.
They are more likely to value education and learning, being more motivated to pursue a tertiary education than their younger siblings.
This results in better career opportunities and higher chances of being promoted.
Part of this may also stem from the desire to seek parental approval and validation.
Eldest children are so often pressured to set a good example for their younger siblings.
Having a good education and a successful career is one of the ways they can achieve this.
They’re More Likely to End Up in Positions of Power
One study showed that many CEOs and managers are firstborns.
Firstborns are better set-up for leadership roles.
This is probably due to having to take over babysitting duties when their parents aren’t around.
Wrangling your younger siblings and keeping them in line while the cat’s away is definitely a good exercise in being a leader.
However, what type of leader they become in the future lies solely on your own parenting style.
If you’re too strict, you may end up raising a stressed-out, micromanager.
However, if you adopt a more positive parenting style, they may grow up to be fantastic leaders in their careers.
They’re More Likely to Be Independent
This depends entirely on how parents treat firstborns after the arrival of subsequent children.
Usually when a parent has a new child, their full attention is redirected towards the new baby.
Overtime, the eldest sibling will have to learn to entertain themselves on their own.
However, if they are particularly resentful of their new sibling, they may develop some jealousy.
Thankfully, there are ways to address that.
They’re More Likely to Follow the Rules
Studies show that firstborns are more likely to conform to the demands of authoritative figures and societal norms.
As a result, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviour, substance abuse or crime.
However, this also means that they may be less creative and adventurous, opting for small, quiet lives instead of exciting, unpredictable experiences.
Conclusion
Despite some compelling scientific evidence, it’s important to remember that the above traits may not apply in certain cases.
Factors like socioeconomic background, upbringing, gender, and even race can play a part in how firstborns develop their personalities.
However, it’s safe to say that for the majority, a lot of firstborns can relate to this list.
If, however, you can’t relate to any of the traits mentioned, then you’re one of the lucky few who have escaped the ‘birth order effect’.
Be that as it may, you should embrace your firstborn quirks, whatever they are.
Even if we share some traits with someone else, no one can truly replicate our individual personalities, and that is what makes all of us special.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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