National Middle Child Day
Living in the shadow of your older siblings, competing for attention with your younger…Middle Child Day is a well-deserved day all about those middle kids.
How to Celebrate National Middle Child Day
Just because this is about being in the middle, doesn’t mean there has to be anything average about this day! Have loads of fun celebrating National Middle Child Day with some of these ideas:
Pay Special Attention to the Middle Child
Parents with three or more children can certainly celebrate National Middle Child Day by taking stock of the ways that they can honor and show appreciation for their middle children.
This might mean taking them on a special date with one of their parents or even something so simple as finding out what they would like to eat for dinner and then cooking that.
People who are already adults who have a middle child sibling or spouse can also celebrate National Middle Child Day by giving a bit of special attention to their favorite middle child.
Show them some love with a card, a bouquet of flowers, some balloons or a little note to say that they are seen, even though they might sometimes feel invisible.
Learn Interesting Traits About Middle Children
Middle children can also have some interesting traits and ‘superpowers’ within the family. For instance, they can often disappear when it’s time for someone to get in trouble. And middle children often learn the important skill of peacemaking and negotiation as they learn how to balance out their older and younger brothers or sisters.
Of course, not all middle children are alike, but in honor of National Middle Child Day, it might be fun to learn some of the unique traits that middle children often innately develop because of their position in the family, like these:
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Innovative
Middles are often more willing to try new things.
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Self-motivated
Middle children have often been overlooked and learn to be independent.
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Resilience
Middle kids have a tendency to be more flexible and bounce back from disappointments more than first borns.
Watch Some Favorite TV Middle Children
Sitcoms and shows about families, starting in the 1950s, often included characters that were middle children. From Jan on the Brady Bunch to Theo Huxtable from the Cosby Show, from Stephanie on Full House to Carlton on The Fresh Prince, middle children are super!
Take some time on National Middle Child Day to give these characters a nod with some of these shows:
- Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006)
- The Middle (2009-2018)
- Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018)
History of National Middle Child Day
Let’s face it, being the middle child certainly has its disadvantages, right? The middle child has at least one older sibling, who gets to do everything first, who the middle child somehow has to live up to.
But there is also at least one younger sibling, who gets all of the attention for being so cute and little. And there left is the middle child, struggling to find themselves without a clearly defined role.
While the complaints and experiences of middle children might be brushed off, it’s actually important that they are taken a bit more seriously.
In fact, ‘Middle Child Syndrome’ is a recognized concept and studies about birth order in recent years show that it is believed to have an impact upon various personality traits.
Certain middle children might identify with some of these experiences: As the middle child, you’re not the leader, so you aren’t able to have things your own way.
You’re also no longer the baby of the family, so you aren’t as protected. And you’re certainly not excused for bad behavior. It might seem like nothing ever really goes your way!
Well, not today, middle child friends! National Middle Child Day provides a well-deserved day to celebrate those special children who were neither the first-born or the last-born.
Finally, a day where someone who was lost in the shuffle can get some attention and love, at the expense of your other siblings.
(If your parents remember…)
National Middle Child Day FAQs
Are middle children really going extinct?
Middle children are becoming less common as families tend to have fewer children.
In the U.S., the average family size has dropped, reducing the chance of a middle child.
This shift has sparked conversations about how family dynamics may change as the “middle child” role becomes less frequent.
How do middle children often influence family dynamics?
Middle children are often described as natural negotiators. They balance relationships with older and younger siblings, honing conflict resolution skills.
These traits frequently make them peacemakers within their families and adaptable individuals outside the home.
Are there any famous stories or myths about middle children?
Some myths claim middle children are rebellious or overshadowed. However, history offers counterexamples.
Martin Luther King Jr., a middle child, became a global leader, disproving the notion that they lack ambition or recognition.
How do other countries celebrate middle children?
While National Middle Child Day is primarily observed in the U.S., other cultures appreciate middle children differently.
In Japan, family harmony is valued, and middle-born children are often seen as unifying forces, even if there’s no specific holiday for them.
What does psychology say about middle children’s personalities?
Studies on birth order suggest middle children might develop strong social and leadership skills.
They often feel less pressure to follow strict paths, allowing them to experiment and grow independently. However, psychologists emphasize individual differences over generalizations.
How have media portrayals of middle children evolved?
Classic sitcoms like The Brady Bunch often highlighted middle children as comedic or underappreciated.
However, modern shows rarely feature large families, reducing the focus on middle-child dynamics. This shift mirrors the decline of large households.
Is there a link between middle children and creativity?
Research suggests middle children might develop creativity as they navigate their unique family role. Often overlooked in childhood, they find innovative ways to stand out, leading to out-of-the-box thinking in adulthood.
Are middle children better at making friends?
Middle children’s diplomatic skills often extend to their social lives. Their ability to mediate and compromise makes them likable and easy to get along with, earning them strong friendships outside their family circle.
What are some unique ways families celebrate National Middle Child Day?
Families sometimes throw personalized “middle-child-only” parties, where everything revolves around the middle child’s preferences. Others plan special outings or encourage older and younger siblings to write appreciation notes to their middle sibling.
How has birth order research influenced parenting advice?
Birth order research has led parents to recognize the importance of treating each child individually.
For middle children, this means ensuring they feel valued and not overlooked, which helps them thrive emotionally and socially.
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