Middle Child Day
The middle children of a family can often feel ignored and overlooked by their parents and siblings, so what better way to show them they are wrong by honoring and celebrating them on Middle Child Day, every year on August 12? If you're the parent or the sibling of a middle child, spend today treating them and giving them all the attention they deserve. This is the perfect way to make sure they have a very happy Middle Child Day!
Background
Originally named Middle Children's Day, the idea to have a day in honor of the middle child came from a woman named Elizabeth Walker, in 1986. The day began being celebrated on the second Saturday in August, but as time went on the celebration date became fixed on August 12. Walker's intention with this day was to have a national day where middle children could feel celebrated and not left out, as they can usually feel like they don't get enough attention, especially in larger families.
The founder of the International Middle Child's Union, Bruce Hopman, has been campaigning for a while to change Middle Child Day's date to July 2, as it is the day that falls exactly in the middle of the year.
Why is there a Middle Child Day?
In families with more than two children, parents tend to pay more attention to the oldest and youngest children, meaning that those who are middle children can often feel ignored. Some studies have been made regarding the correlation between birth order and personality, which originated the stereotype that middle children can be resentful and withdrawn due to growing up on the sidelines.
It was Dr. Alfred Adler that in 1964 developed the well-known Middle Child Syndrome Theory, stating that birth order plays a huge role in personality development, and that children have different personality traits according to the order they were born into a family. The characteristics of a middle child can often be that they are quiet, competitive towards their other siblings, they also can be diplomatic and good at solving conflicts, have trouble fitting in, and feeling equal.
While many people associate being the middle child with something negative, the truth is that middle children can grow up to be independent, resourceful, and creative. Lacking attention can also mean that they are able to freely develop life skills and personalities, without the parents' impediment.
Because of all of this, middle children have a big sense of justice, are very empathic and diplomatic, so it comes as no surprise that many United States Presidents were middle children!
How to celebrate Middle Child Day
If you have a middle child or sibling, get in touch with them and invite them to spend the day together with them as the center of attention!
You can have them over for a meal or coffee or go out and do something fun together. If your middle child is still very young, spend the day playing all their favorite games, with their favorite toys or take them to a place they love, such as the park, the beach or a pool. The important thing is that you listen to them and make them know they're loved.
If you and your middle sibling have a fun relationship, share your favorite Middle Child Day memes with them to make them laugh.
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