Growing up, I often complained about being the middle child. I would spend hours in my room researching “middle child syndrome” and trying to relate the symptoms to me. The first and last born children are so essential to parents. My older sister was the first born of all of the grandchildren on my father’s side so you can only imagine how much attention she got. Sure, I had three short years in the spotlight as the baby of my family until my younger sister was born and robbed me of my stardom.Yes it’s one thing to go from getting attention to being a background dancer, but it’s another thing all together when everyone forgets your existence. Throughout the years of hand me downs, being compared to my superstar sisters, the uncomfortable middle seat during long car rides, and everything else that all lumps in the middle have to entail, being the middle child has had it’s perks.

1.) You’re (occasionally) happy that you’re forgotten- it means you’re free to do your own thing.

Yeah it was upsetting being forgotten at a Walmart at twelve years old, but I used this to my advantage well into my hormonal teenage years.

2.) You will never have to experience being the first to embark in life whether that be college or other plans, and you will never be the last one before an empty nest. You will always have the company of your siblings on your journey through life.

3.) You have a good chance of being president.

Over 52% of US presidents were also the lumps of their families including but not limited to Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Abraham Lincoln. I can’t wait to see what any of you middle children will bring to the Oval Office, you have some big shoes to fill.

4.) You’re a great roommate

Chances are as a middle child you’ve shared a room at some point in your life whether that be with your older sibling or younger. You’re not plagued with anxiety when you receive a roommate for your college dorm.

5.) You’re in good company.

Stephanie Tanner, Corey Matthews, Fred and George Weasley. Need I say more?