The Benefits of Being a Middle Child: Why Middle Children Are Great Leaders and Negotiators

Middle children often feel like they get lost in the shuffle. They are not the firstborn, who receives all the attention from their parents, nor are they the baby of the family, who is constantly spoiled and doted on. As a result, middle children can often feel neglected or overlooked, leading to what is commonly referred to as “middle child syndrome.”

However, despite popular assumptions, being a middle child can actually have a lot of benefits. In fact, some of the most successful and accomplished people in history were middle children, including Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Bill Gates, and Abraham Lincoln.

Here are some of the key benefits of being a middle child:

1. We Weren’t Ever Expected to Be as Responsible as the Oldest Sibling Was

As the middle child, we often escaped the intense pressure and scrutiny that our oldest sibling faced. Our parents were typically more relaxed and less demanding by the time we came around. As a result, we were able to explore and pursue our interests without feeling the same level of pressure or obligation to excel academically or professionally.

2. We Are Really Independent

Although we may not have received the same level of attention as our older or younger siblings, this also gave us the freedom to be more independent. We learned how to navigate the world on our own and developed a strong sense of direction and self-reliance. This independence can be a valuable asset in both personal and professional settings.

3. We Are Great Leaders

As a result of our independent nature, middle children often make great leaders. Past notable U.S. leaders who were middle children include Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Bill Gates, and Abraham Lincoln. Our ability to think for ourselves and chart our own course also means we are naturally inclined to lead and inspire others.

4. We Like to Think Outside of the Box

Middle children are often creative and have a unique perspective on the world. We were encouraged to pursue our passions and interests, which often led us to explore nontraditional activities like drama or art. This ability to think outside of the box can be a huge asset in building a successful career or personal life.

5. We Work Hard to Establish Ourselves

Because we had to fight for our parents’ attention and affection, middle children often develop a strong work ethic and sense of determination. We don’t give up easily, whether it’s pursuing a job or learning a new skill. This resilience and determination translate well to personal relationships as well.

6. We Have Strong Personalities

Without a distinct role in the family, middle children often develop a unique and strong personality. We may have a killer sense of humor or an outgoing, extroverted nature that makes us stand out in social settings. Our unique personalities and talents can be a valuable asset in building a successful career or personal life.

7. We Are Great at Being Selfless

Middle children are used to sharing their toys and possessions with siblings, often from a very young age. This teaches us to be humble and not to take anything for granted. Our experiences and upbringing make us naturally inclined to think about others and put their needs before our own.

8. We Are Great Negotiators

Because we are used to not getting our own way, middle children often develop excellent negotiation skills. This can be a valuable asset in the workplace, where we are able to advocate for ourselves and negotiate better salaries or benefits. We are also able to cope well in travel situations that require assertiveness or negotiating with people from different cultures or backgrounds.

In conclusion, being a middle child may come with its own unique set of challenges, but it also has many benefits. Middle children are often independent, creative, and resilient, with the potential to become great leaders and negotiators. So if you’re a middle child, don’t let anyone tell you that your position is a disadvantage – embrace it and use your unique talents and personality to thrive and succeed.