How to Avoid The "Middle Child Syndrome"

The Middle Child Syndrome is a term used to describe the feeling of not receiving as much attention than your older sibling or younger sibling. It is often hard to avoid this, especially if you're an only child. There are many ways to break out of the middle child syndrome and feel like one of the most important people in your family.

Treat yourself as a first-born

While you may not be the first born, it's important to know that you should treat yourself as if you are because you will feel more important and cared for. You can also help your parents achieve their goals of having a perfect first child by doing well in school and behaving properly. This will give them less stress to worry about from other children later on in life.

Participate in activities with your family

You might find that during family gatherings or at home everyone else is busy with each other or watching TV/movies together while you're off by yourself doing something else altogether. By spending quality time together, especially outside of the house gives people time to bond even further and know that they can rely on you when needed.

Get to know your parents

You might find that your siblings get more attention than you because of their behavior with your parents. This is the time for you to really understand what your parents expect of you and how best to go about it so that they'll finally notice who exactly you are. Also, be sure to reward them every now and then with small things like complimenting them or cooking for them so they'll feel appreciated by you too!

Threaten to move out

If all else fails, threaten your family by saying "I'm going to move out!" This puts a sense of urgency in not only yourself but in them as well making them appreciate the fact that you're still living at home.

Get the attention you want

Sometimes, there are multiple ways to get your parents' attention. If you find that screaming, yelling or quarreling isn't getting you anywhere then maybe try walking up to them politely and ask what they can do for you? You might be surprised with the results!

Make them laugh

Everyone always loves someone who can make them laugh, right? One way to get your family's attention is by telling them jokes or finding something very interesting about them that you can talk about with others. This will show your parents that you truly care!

Make a list of what you can offer them

It's important to show yourself in a good light and think about what you have to offer your family, for example: helpful with chores, a great problem-solver or a very talented cook. This list will help your parents understand that while they appreciate their other children more it doesn't mean they love you less!

Take on new responsibilities

You might feel like being the middle child is tough but there are many things you can do to get ahead of everyone else such as taking on extra responsibilities at school or doing well so that your parents know how much potential you have.

Spend time alone with each sibling

Make sure that when all else fails to spend time with your older sibling or younger sibling one-on-one. This especially works wonders when you're the only girl, go shopping together one day to bond! Take your mom's car and have a sister date at the library to catch up on some reading too.

Forgive Yourself

If all these tactics fail, remember that it's perfectly fine for you to feel like an outcast or middle child because ultimately, everyone is different and no one should be treated exactly the same as another person. Everyone has their unique identity so embrace who YOU are instead of trying so hard to become someone else just so people can notice you more. Don't let this syndrome get to you and most importantly, don't lose hope! You can do it if you believe in yourself.