SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS

Students who are:The oldest child go to the back right corner of room.

The youngest child go to the front right corner.

The middle child go to the back left corner.The only child go to the front left corner.

Each group is to list the advantages and disadvantages of their birth order on the butcher paper. Each group will present their findings.

FAMILY ORDER ACTIVITY

The order in which children are born into a family influences the development of the children.

Oldest children bear the burden of the parents heaviest expectations and also of the parents’ inexperience in raising children.

Second or third children are generally treated in a more relaxed way by the parents.

Youngest children often have a more diffi cult transition to adulthood.

BIRTH ORDER

Usually set up as an example to the other children.

Treated more like an adult by his/her parents.

A high achiever.Given and accepts

more responsibility than the other children.

Usually college-bound.Independent.Affectionate.

OLDEST CHILD

May work extra-hard to get recognition.

Is usually a peacemaker.

Is somewhat average in schoolwork, but is an all-around good student.

Is usually a calm, even-tempered adult.

MIDDLE CHILD

Gets a lot of attention, along with a lot of bossing.

May be spoiled.Usually matures

quickly.May be undisciplined

and irresponsible.Is easy-going about

school.Likes to associate with

someone who takes charge of situations.

YOUNGEST CHILD

Firstborns in triplicate

Even more responsible

Even bigger perfectionists

Usually get along better with people older than themselves.

ONLY CHILD

Don’t overextend yourselfLearn to say no--- you can’t do everythingDon’t expect so much from yourself. You don’t have to

be perfect.Don’t be afraid of being a detail personTake problem solving step-by-stepEven though you may not like to be an example, with

younger siblings you generally are. Don’t let others pressure you into making decisions.

Take your time.Try to develop a sense of humor and laugh at your

mistakes.Never apologize for being conscientious or over

organized.

TIPS FOR OLDEST CHILD

Use your people skills to see both sides of issues and deal with life as it really is.

If you are a free spirit, fight to keep your unique qualities.

Middle children grow up thinking that no one ever listened to them and they never had a chance to express their ideas. Share your ideas!

Enjoy your many friends, but don’t spread yourself too thin.

Don’t compare yourself to others—just be you!Don’t think only fi rstborns are leaders; you

understand, negotiate, and compromise. Try being a leader!

TIPS FOR THE MIDDLE CHILD

Accept responsibility for yourself!Many last borns are messy; learn to pick up after

yourself.Choose jobs where you interact with people because

you will do well!Be less self-centered and off er to help others. Don’t blame others if you’re the one who really

caused the situation.Your gift of humor will be an asset; use it correctly. Give others a chance to share the limelight.

Concentrate on asking others about them!Lastborns tend to be the most compatible.

TIPS FOR THE YOUNGEST CHILD

Be able to enjoy your parents, all their attention is going to be on you so instead of fighting them enjoy it.

Bring friends home and have them meet your parents.Don’t think you need to control everything, remember

you are a child and you don’t have control over everything.

Remind yourself that it’s okay to be young!

TIPS FOR ONLY CHILDREN

What are some deposits into the relationship bank account?

What are some withdrawals from the relationship bank account?

SIBLING RELATIONSHIP BANK ACCOUNT

Brothers and sisters in a family.Can be the best of friends or worst of enemies.Why would these be? Give some examples. I KNOW YOU HAVE THEM!!

SIBLINGS

Competition between brothers and sisters.Usually created by jealous feelings as they compete

for their parents’ love and attention or other things.

Are there times where you feel like your parents love your siblings more?

SIBLING RIVALRY

Friends may come and go, but our siblings are

always our siblings.