Contents
A character shaped by his birth rank
“Humans forge their character in a social group”says Michael Grose, education and family specialist and author of the book Why the elders want to rule the world and the youngsters want to change it, published by Marabout. However, the first framework in which they evolve is the family. Through the struggle between brothers and sisters, the individual finds a place. If the responsible person’s is already occupied, the child will find another. The youngest therefore tend to define themselves according to the territory they have left… In each family, the conflicts and jealousies between the children are often the same depending on the place occupied in the siblings. As a result, characters specific to a rank are defined.
Personality linked to birth rank, an indelible mark?
“The personality linked to the rank of birth is forged around the age of five or six. She can evolve and adapt to a new context, but she has little chance of changing beyond this age ” explains the specialist. Blended families therefore do not create new birth ranks. Just because a 5-6 year old suddenly has an older half-brother or half-sister, does not mean that he will stop being methodical and a perfectionist!
Birth rank and personality: family style also plays a role
While position influences character, parenting style sets the parameters for worldview. In other words, the eldest child in a relaxed family may be the most responsible and serious child in the siblings, but he or she would be much more flexible than the eldest child in a rigid family. Thus, the place in the siblings does not say everything about the future character of a child, and very fortunately. Other criteria, such as the child’s education and experience, are taken into account.