Several eldest sibling myths have been circulating as the years passed, but most are mere speculations. Research suggests that the eldest siblings are indeed the best.
Contrary to the popular belief that the middle child is the best, researchers suggest that the eldest child should take the post. Sibling rivalry will continue to intensify; the eldest child might take the lead as their greatness is backed by science.
Several studies continually prove that birth orders among siblings play a significant role to their individual progress. Science awarded the eldest child the bragging rights when it comes to being the best among siblings. Listed below are researched based proofs pointing out the awesomeness on the eldest child:
Eldest Children are Smarter
Yes you read it right! Science suggests that the eldest child is the smartest among the bunch. The research mentioned that the eldest child has higher IQ among the siblings. It was revealed that the first born (Norwegian male) had higher IQ average of 2.3 points compared to his younger siblings.
The scientific explanation which backs the claims is the fact that the eldest child usually teaches the younger siblings. Teaching their younger siblings trains their memory retention and exercises their logic.
Eldest Children Follow the Rules
Middle children are said to be the rule breakers while the eldest child is often tagged as the law abiding one. It was suggested that the eldest child tends to be the more obedient one as they have to live up to their parents' expectations.
"Firstborns tend to be responsible, competitive and conventional, whereas later-borns have to 'distinguish' themselves and create a specific niche by being playful, cooperative, and especially, rebellious," Vassilis Saroglou and Laure Fiasse, two Belgian psychologist stated. Their study was published in the journal "Personality and Individual Differences."
Eldest Children are More Successful
Studies suggest that the eldest child is the most successful. They tend to excel in most aspects as they'd live up to expectations. A psychologist from New York, professor Ben Dattner suggests that firstborns are more achievement oriented compared to their siblings.
Science backed the eldest child's success as they are more prepared in handling leadership roles. The eldest child's success is often due to their ordinal responsibility.
