Why Firstborn Children Are High Achievers: Explanations Backed by Studies

When we think of successful women in society, names like Oprah Winfrey, Sheryl Sandberg, and Hillary Clinton come to mind. What do they have in common? They are all firstborn children, according to studies. While not all firstborns may agree with this assertion, this article explores some reasons why the eldest child is often a high achiever.

1. They receive the most attention.

Before the arrival of siblings, firstborns receive most of their parents’ attention. Parents tend to be more enthusiastic and hands-on with their first child, making sure they make an impact in their lives. This means they have more quality time with their parents, which contributes to building their confidence, intelligence, and social development.

2. They have no one to teach them.

Firstborns have to learn most things on their own. Since they are the first in the family, they have no older siblings to guide them or pave the way. As a result, they develop problem-solving skills and become independent.

3. They grow up in a stable environment.

Firstborn children grow up in a stable environment as their parents are usually in the excitement phase of their marriage. They are not subjected to the marital crisis that may arise when love starts to wane or when parents begin to have conflicting differences.

4. They are more disciplined.

While parents may relax a bit after the eldest has younger siblings, the firstborn is often scolded and disciplined more than their siblings. This means they learn self-control, develop responsibility, and can handle criticism well.

5. They have no competition at an early age.

Unlike younger siblings who may face early competition from their older brothers or sisters, firstborns have an easy start. They have time to pursue their interests without any distraction or rivalry.

6. They are treated like adults earlier in life.

Children who are treated like adults respond in the same manner. The firstborn child is raised by adults and, therefore, grows according to the intellectual culture of their home. They receive the most mature treatment, and their siblings learn from their example.

7. They experience more academic pressure.

Studies find that eldest children face more pressure to succeed academically. Parents often set high expectations for their first child and prefer they achieve academic excellence, setting the pace their younger siblings follow.

8. They are raised to lead.

The eldest child is like a surrogate parent to their younger siblings. They take on parental roles and responsibilities whenever their parents are not around. This nurtures their leadership skills and prepares them for future roles.

9. They are raised to be responsible.

Whenever anything goes wrong, firstborns tend to take the blame. They are the ones who are held accountable, forcing them to develop a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic.

10. They mature faster.

Through a combination of nature and nurture, firstborns tend to mature faster than their siblings. They understand the world around them more quickly, and their experiences make them better prepared for challenges that lie ahead.

11. They learn how to deal with setbacks.

As the first child, the eldest sibling will face setbacks and challenges early in life. Their experiences teach them to deal with setbacks, which makes them more resilient and adaptable.

12. They value hard work.

Firstborn children are quickly introduced to intellectual and laborious work as they grow up, which makes them resourceful problem solvers. They value hard work and ingenuity, which helps them to succeed.

13. They can manage their finances.

Firstborns learn how to manage their finances from an early age. They are responsible for themselves and their younger siblings, so they learn to manage resources effectively.

14. They are disciplined.

Firstborns receive the most discipline and scolding from their parents. This instills focus and resilience, which contributes to their future success.

15. They are honest and sincere.

Eldest children are often more honest, truthful, and sincere in their approach. Their role as a pacesetter means they cannot afford to cut corners or make mistakes, which makes them more credible and diligent.

Conclusion

While the success of firstborn children may not be attributed solely to their birth order, studies have shown they possess certain characteristics that give them an advantage in life. They tend to be more mature, disciplined, responsible, and driven. Their experiences shape them into resilient problem solvers who can handle the challenges life throws their way.