The middle child or the “sandwich child”

“He grew up without a problem, almost without us realizing it” tells Emmanuelle (mother of three children), speaking of Fred, the youngest of three brothers. This explains American studies, according to which, the younger is the one who is given the least time and attention. “It is often said that this is the most difficult place” even considers Françoise Peille. Very early on, the child can then get into the habit of asking for little help when needed, and as a result becomes more independent. He then learns to manage: “He cannot always count on his eldest child or ask for help from his parents, who are more available for the latter. He therefore turns to his comrades », notes Michael Grose.

A beneficial “injustice”!

“Torn between the older ones and the younger ones, in general, the middle child complains of an uncomfortable situation. He does not know that she will allow him later to become a conciliatory adult, open to compromise! “ explains Françoise Peille. But be careful, because it can also close like an oyster to avoid conflicts and maintain a serenity that is dear to it …

If the middle child loves “justice”, it is because he finds, from an early age, that life is unfair to him: the eldest has more privileges and the latter is more spoiled. . He quickly adopts resilience, complains little, but turns himself very quickly to the point of being sometimes very stubborn … If he is sociable, it is thanks to his ability to adapt, whether to different personalities or variations of ages of his brothers and sisters around him.

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