As family dynamics shift, it seems the middle child may soon be a relic of the past. Thanks to the increasing financial burden of raising children, Millennials are opting for smaller families—often just one or two kids. This trend threatens the very existence of the middle child, much to the dismay of those who relate to the plight of Jan Brady.
August 12th marks Middle Child Day, but as highlighted in a thought-provoking piece for The Cut, this celebration may soon fade away. Research from Pew indicates a stark contrast in family size from 1976 to today. Back then, the typical mother had more than three children, with nearly 40% of moms aged 40-44 having four or more. Fast forward to now, and around two-thirds of mothers are choosing to have just two or even one child, making middle children increasingly rare.
Personally, I see this reflected in my own circle. Many of my high school friends are either childless or have just one or two kids. As I navigate my own parenting journey, I find that financial constraints have played a significant role in our decision to stick with two kids, despite our initial desire for a larger family. The escalating costs of housing, education, and general child-rearing have led many to rethink their family plans.
The diminishing presence of middle children means society may lose out on their unique contributions. As noted in the essay, middle children are often perceived as peacekeepers, possessing a unique drive to carve out their identity. Psychologist Catherine Salmon asserts that middle children are often underestimated but have a remarkable ability to drive change in the world. Their distinct qualities could be invaluable in today’s society.
Of course, the theories surrounding birth order may be oversimplified. The traits often attributed to middle children aren’t exclusive to them; parenting styles and individual circumstances play a more significant role. As the eldest of three, I witnessed the varying degrees of attention given to each sibling, and how that shaped us all differently.
While this trend may not inspire my generation to expand their families to preserve the middle child’s legacy, it’s worth contemplating a future devoid of these in-between kiddos. Perhaps their rarity will shine a light on their significance.
In a world where family planning is evolving, it’s essential to recognize the unique qualities that each child, especially middle ones, bring to the table.
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Summary:
The middle child is becoming increasingly rare as Millennials opt for smaller families due to financial pressures. This shift could lead to the extinction of middle children, who are often undervalued but possess unique qualities beneficial to society. Reflecting on personal experiences, the article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of all children, especially those in the middle.