The theory in a sentence

That all children develop certain behavioural characteristics depending on whether they're born first, second, third etc.

The only child:

• Keen on facts, ideas, and details;
• A 'mover and shaker' in their work;
• Unforgiving and demanding;
• Doesn't handle criticism well;
• Lonely and spoiled.

The oldest child:

• Likely to be successful and responsible;
• A hard working perfectionist;
• Pushed by the parents, who have high expectations;
• Pushes others too hard;
• A bossy-boots.

The middle child:

• Good at making friends and getting on with people;
• A good mediator and negotiator;
• Quietly rebellious but avoids confrontation;
• Worries about being overlooked;
• A people-pleaser who gets walked over.

The youngest child:

• Likes entertaining and showing off;
• Gets bored easily;
• Charming one minute, hard to deal with the next;
• Worries about not being taken seriously;
• Immature and spoiled.

The catch

Even if there is some evidence to back up the theory, all manner of different influences can shape a growing personality. From your environment to your genetic make-up, the way you were raised and the friends you make. Others dispute the theory based on the simple fact that every individual is unique, regardless of their birth order.

Updated: 16/08/2007