Middle child syndrome, also known as MCS, is the feeling of exclusion by middle children. Any middle child at least once in their life has been faced with the reality that your older sibling is the reason we have rules, you are the reason they are enforced but none of these rules apply to your younger sibling (in truth they get away with everything). But even after being ignored and overlooked, having more expected out of you - without the assistance, and failing to feel like you fit in, being the middle can have positive outcomes, in fact, you can even take advantage of it. The following 8 ways are how being a middle child can work in our favor.
1. You get away with more.
Helicopter parenting totally exists, it just doesn't apply to you. Having their focus elsewhere, your parents tend to overlook everything you choose to do, including the negative things that if your older sibling did, it would definitely disappoint.
2. You learn how to be independent.
Without our parent's undivided attention, we have to learn to do things for ourselves. Always doing things on your own? Moving away as far and fast as you possibly could? Your independence was gained from the lack of attention growing up!
3. There is less pressure on you.
Growing up as the middle child, all the mistakes were made with the first. Your parents assume things "can't get any worse" and because of this they take a backseat to parenting as strict. And let's be honest, they are just exhausted.
4. You know when to lead and when to follow.
You have to learn how to do both because you are stuck following your older siblings footsteps but will always be leading your younger one. This creates a great balance in your life.
5. You're a mediator.
Being stuck in the middle means you have both parties begging for you take their side. Rather than digging a hole for yourself, you play fair because conflict resolution is easier than escalating an argument.
6. You're never alone.
The oldest needs guidance and the youngest is lazy and both parents are busy. Due to this, you master the art of working alone. But even with being alone, you aren't actually ever alone. Being stuck in the middle means you'll never live at home by yourself and you will always have one of your siblings (usually the youngest) watching your every move.
7. You work harder.
You have impossible standards you are expected to live up to and will always be stuck in your sibling's shadows. In order to escape this, you have to work twice as hard as normal. It's a win-win situation.
8. Your parents feel sorry for you.
Even they realize that being a middle child sucks so they try to defeat Middle Child Syndrome (I think this made me the favorite by default). They try to do more with and for you so you don't feel left out, even though sometimes it's pretty great to be on your own.
