Being the middle child is hard. You come along into this nice family who has already tested out a few theories and made a few mistakes. You think at this point they would have their parenting stuff together and really know what they're doing. But you'd be wrong. First your position as the baby gets usurped by another kid, just as you thought you were getting into a groove. Then all the other issues come along. Being the middle child is just the worst!!
1. Being in the middle means you are old enough to do all the chores your big sister has to do, but your little brother gets away with skipping them. On the other hand, when it comes to privileges like chewing gum, or staying by yourself for a few minutes, you're too little. Fair? I think not!!
2. Sometimes having a brother is fun. You get twice the amount of fun toys (when he's not looking) and there's almost always someone to wrestle with. At first it even seems fun when someone buys you matching clothes. What's cooler than one Batman t-shirt? Two Batman t-shirts. Until you outgrow them. Now you have to give your shirt to the little brother and you don't have one anymore. He gets the cool shirt with the cape that used to be yours and now you are left with nothing. NOTHING!
3. Occasionally having an older sister is fun. She can tell you how things work. She'll keep your secrets for you (sometimes!) But spoilers: There are SPOILERS! Want to read a good book? She'll see you reading it and start talking about the ending! Santa Claus? You can tell something's up, but she won't talk about that!
4. As stated in my introduction, by the time the second child comes around, you'd think the parents would know what they were doing. In my experience, however, this is not the case. Sure, they figured some things out, but it really seems like they figured out too many things. The big sister is the testing grounds for parents. Then I come along and it's rules, rules, rules. It's like they've got my number! I can barely slip anything past them!
5. On the flip side of all my rules is this inconsistency! My little brother? He gets away with everything! It's like my parents have just given up at this point! But me?? "I should know better!" No one get me dressed in the mornings or toasts my waffles! (OK, maybe sometimes...)
Kids...talk to me! Are you stuck in the middle or do you get all the glory and accolades that come with being oldest or youngest?
