A system built on division and enforced by brutality
Does a person's position in their family have a strong influence on their personality? Some argue that stereotypes about ambitious older children and attention-deprived middle children carry a large element of truth. When it comes to youngest children, there are also certain habits that nearly all of them carry with them into adulthood.
Curious? Check out this gallery to learn more.
In general, this is not so much about the amount of attention they received from their parents. Rather, it is about being used to always having older, more experienced people available to consult during the learning process.
Another habit that many youngest children carry with them into adulthood is being creative. Often, youngest siblings find it easier to lean into their creative instincts.
In childhood, this trait can cause youngest siblings to push boundaries and refuse to behave like their older siblings, who they may consider boring and unoriginal.
Fast-forward to adulthood, and this rebellious streak can result in a person who has an unconventional lifestyle.
Another common trait of youngest children is that they love to break rules. Often, this is due to their parents being less overbearing with them in comparison to their older siblings.
Although youngest children may resent their older siblings for various reasons, that doesn't mean that they don't greatly admire and respect them.
Another common characteristic of adults who were the youngest child is that they prefer to be in the company of people who are older.
Studies have shown that having an older sibling can greatly influence a person's attachment style. Youngest siblings often feel most comfortable with people older than themselves.
It is not uncommon for youngest children to have fantastic communication skills. On the one hand, they tend to be more extroverted than their siblings.
Youngest children are often the center of attention in their families. At the same time that their parents are doting on them, their older siblings are also looking out for them.
Being used to being the center of attention often gives rise to an adult who doesn't mind taking the stage or volunteering to give a presentation.
On the other hand, youngest children often grow up expecting constant attention from those around them, which can cause problems in relationships.
Parents often feel the need to rescue their youngest children from situations they've got themselves into, but usually that does more harm than good.
Another telltale sign of an adult who grew up with older siblings is that they need help with mastering basic life skills.
It's due to them often being used to having older people around who do things for them. Therefore, they may have less exposure to normal, everyday tasks.
Often this is a result of being subject to less pressure than their older siblings. Indeed, oldest siblings tend to feel a huge sense of responsibility.
As we have already seen, youngest children are often much more prepared than their older siblings to take risks and push boundaries. This can become evident in early childhood.
Another habit that many youngest children carry with them well into adulthood is their burning desire for adventure.
In adulthood, this often translates into a fun-loving, adventurous person who is the first to suggest going skydiving or traveling around the world.
Sometimes this penchant for dishonestly can become harmful, as youngest siblings may use their deft communication skills to manipulate people and situations.
Sources: (YourTango)
See also: A parent's guide to raising emotionally intelligent children
The final telltale sign of an adult who grew up the youngest sibling is their tendency to exaggerate. They don't do storytelling in half measures!
Combine their excellent communication skills, great sense of humor, and chronic need for attention, and you have a recipe for some very engaging, albeit sometimes dishonest, storytelling.
According to one study from CareerBuilder, youngest children are more likely to be attracted to creative jobs. This may be traced back to the child wanting to distinguish themselves from their older siblings.
Telltale habits of adults who were the youngest child
How to spot a youngest child
LIFESTYLE Family
Does a person's position in their family have a strong influence on their personality? Some argue that stereotypes about ambitious older children and attention-deprived middle children carry a large element of truth. When it comes to youngest children, there are also certain habits that nearly all of them carry with them into adulthood.
Curious? Check out this gallery to learn more.