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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois State chapter.

If you’re the oldest, youngest or the only child, I am wholly jealous of you.

Being the oldest, you basically are the “trial-and-error” kid for your parents, therefore, letting you do what ever you want.

The youngest is the “pride-and joy” child because you’re the baby, the last one. The one your mom doesn’t want to grow up just yet, making your mom like you a little bit more. Being the youngest you get to do what ever you want and then some, yet you never get in trouble because, according to your parents, you do nothing wrong.

An only child has the freedom to do anything. Maybe you’re the one with parents who just don’t care what you do because you’re their only child. Possibly you have parents who are over protective because you’re their only child.

Then there is another placement for a child. Did you forget? It’s okay most parents do too! It’s the middle child. The child that probably has the least leeway, but is still bombarded with rules and regulations because your parents are probably “buckling down,” so they don’t have you turn out to be their oldest child. Sorry, but it’s true.

Middle children complain a lot about how they get the short end of the stick. Here’s a list of examples that middle children can relate to.

1. Your parents have forgotten about you.

2. You can’t get or do anything until you’re the age when your older sibling got/did it.

3. Your space is a free for all for your siblings, but don’t think of touching theirs.

4. You’re the third wheel.

5. You have been called every sibling’s, cousin’s, aunt’s and uncle’s name before your parents call your own.

The face you give when your mom tries to call your name.

6. Your parents voice changes when they realize they’re talking to you and not your little sibling.

7. You’re always an easy target with your siblings because you’ve just learned to take it.

8. Your skills and knowledge are doubted even though you end up being right.

 

9. You probably will always be “so-and-so’s” sibling.

10. You always get hand-me-downs.

Even though there a lot of negative experiences, everyone knows that first is the worst and second will always be the best!

 

You can find Meghan at the nearest mall dealing with her major shopaholic problem either coming out of a nearby Forever 21 or Pink. Meghan is from the the Northwest Chicago suburbs and is a senior with a Psychology major. She transferred to Illinois State University last year from Roosevelt University in Chicago and has loved every minute here at ISU! Meghan has always had a strong passion for writing and was super excieted when she got accepted in to the Her Campus Womens Magazine at ISU. She can't wait to see what's instore for her for the rest of the year while being a writer, and currently the Events Director, for the HC team!