Lifestyle

National Middle Child Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Middle children have a reputation for being neglected by their family, causing them to develop resentment, withdrawal, and apathy. Although research demonstrates little correlation between birth order and personality, the stereotype persists in pop culture characters such as Jan Brady, who exemplifies the resentful middle child.

If you have siblings, you know how intense sibling rivalry can be. Busy parents often pay less attention to their middle-aged offspring. Nevertheless, contrary to the commonly held belief that their insecurity and resentment persist into maturity, middle-aged children develop crucial skills that help them become successful adults.

Whether or not “Middle Child Syndrome” is genuine, it is true that middle children, especially in large families, can get lost in the daily shuffle. National Middle Child Day, which was established in 1986 by Elizabeth Walker, honours our middle siblings and serves as a reminder that every child is sacred and essential.

National Middle Child Day is celebrated to recognise the middle child in a family. Even larger families celebrate more than one middle child, which is fascinating.

The background of National Middle Child Day

Actually, middle children may have distinct advantages as adults. The skills they acquire as the “forgotten” sibling frequently translate into essential characteristics such as empathy, diplomacy, and adaptability. In fact, more than half of U.S. presidents and many other successful leaders were middle children.

Middle-aged children who are resourceful and independent, but also cooperative and patient, often become effective leaders and helpful teammates. As risk-takers and independent thinkers, they are adept at negotiating with a range of personality types, but also thrive on their own. Due to the fact that they are frequently left to their own devices, middle children develop a greater degree of independence than their elder and younger siblings.

Prior to the 1970s, the average size of American families was 2.5 children. Due to modernization, economic, and environmental pressures, fewer and fewer American families have middle children today, with the average family having just under two children.

National Middle Child Day began in 1986 as a way to honour and offer a special day to siblings who feel left out or overlooked. To date, it has been observed on August 12.

The International Middle Child’s Union, founded by Bruce Hopman, wishes to change the date of National Middle Child Day to July 2, which falls exactly in the middle of the calendar year.

Activities associated with National Middle Child Day

Send a gift to your middle child or sibling.

Let them know you’re thinking of them!

Watch some episodes of your favourite television adolescent

Grab some snacks and spend time with your own children. Take a family poll to determine your favourite TV middle child, and then view several episodes of that show.

Communicate with your siblings

It’s never a bad moment to reach out to your siblings and say hello, whether or not you are the middle child in your family.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MIDDLE-AGED CHILDREN

Over half of U.S. presidents were middle children, including John F. Kennedy.

Middle children are frequently portrayed in popular culture as the level-headed, responsible ones who keep their siblings out of trouble. Malcolm Wilkerson, Michael Bluto, and Lisa Simpson come to mind.

When Stephanie Tanner, the middle daughter of Full House, feels self-conscious about donning her new glasses, a guest star from another popular TGIF sitcom visits to cheer her up and teach her about self-confidence. This particular guest was Steve Urkel, the glasses-wearing neighbour from Family Matters.

The rivalry between Jan and Marcia Brady was more than just excellent on-screen chemistry; the two actresses did not have a good relationship during filming, and they are still estranged today.

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, philanthropist, and middle child, wrote his first computer programme as an adolescent. It resembled the game tic-tac-toe.