Being the middle kid is weird because you’re stuck in the middle of everything. You’re not the bossy firstborn, and you’re definitely not the adorable youngest who gets away with everything. But with all that comes a very specific experience that teaches you some important things, and here are eleven of them.
Which of these hit you a little too close to home?
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Getting Called the Wrong Name
At some point, you just gave up and started answering to your siblings’ names, even if you’re a girl and you keep getting called by your brother’s name. It’s happened way too many times, and from many different people. Teachers, aunts, neighbors…nobody could get it right, so you became “whichever one you are” way too early in life.
Never Having a Clear Baby Photo
Your baby pics do exist, they’re just not necessarily of you, as there’s one where you’re barely visible in the corner, behind your sister’s birthday cake. Meanwhile, your older sibling had themed monthly photo shoots because they were the firstborn, while the youngest was born when smartphones became a thing. Every one of their big moments got documented.
Being Moved Around in Photos
Speaking of photos, you never stood in the same spot twice because people always told you where to go. “Scoot in a bit,” or “Let’s put you in the middle so it’s even,” were part of the process. No one asked where you wanted to stand because they just needed the photo to look symmetrical. You did it for them, every single time.
Sharing a Bedroom With Both Siblings
Rather than just having a roommate growing up, you practically had a rotating cast. First, it was you and the older one who always got the good side. Then, they moved out, so you were stuck with the younger one who wet the bed and refused to share any of the stuffed animals. Your room was never really yours.
Being Able to Listen With One Ear
You learned rather quickly how to listen without looking like you’re listening, with one ear tuned into the conversation, and the other doing goodness knows what. It’s a middle child thing. You’re part of the group but never the center of it, so you became good at hovering on the edge. You can do it all without being noticed.
Handling Hand-Me-Downs
You wore jeans that were “just a little big” and T-shirts with a stain you didn’t ask about. That’s because they were from your older sibling. But the second those jeans fit, you had to give them to your youngest sibling. Essentially, you were the clothing middleman because nothing was truly yours, just temporary items passing through your life before you gave them up.
Being Too Old and Too Young
Your parents stopped reading to you at bedtime before you even asked them to, as that time was meant for your younger sibling. But when you tried to give your opinion about something, they said you were “just a kid.” Your childhood was cut short, but no one let you enjoy the perks of being older either. You just kind of hovered in the middle.
Getting Overlooked In Family Milestones
Likewise, your big moments always felt a little recycled. For example, the first time your older sibling hit a milestone, it was a huge celebration, while for your younger sibling, it was the last chance to go big. And then there was you. You wanted it to feel like a moment, but your milestones showed up after everyone had already used up their energy.
Being Everyone’s Backup
Even though nobody really invites you first, somehow, you end up being the one who shows up anyway. When someone dropped out, you were suddenly “the perfect person for it,” even though you didn’t ask to be on standby. People just knew you’d go along with it because you were available. You weren’t thrilled about it, but you showed up every time.
Getting Middle-of-the-Road Gifts Every Year
Your older sibling got “the first big gift” because it was a milestone, while your younger sibling got “something special” because they were still cute. But you just got something practical or on sale, and sometimes, you’d unwrap stuff to realize no one even checked if you still liked that band or color. Meanwhile, your siblings had wishlists and surprises.
Having Memories That No One Else Shares
As a middle child, your older sibling was already in high school when your younger sibling was still in pull-ups. You were the only one around for moments like when your parents changed jobs, or when the car broke down on that road trip. Whenever you bring these up, everyone looks confused. You existed in a gap that nobody else remembers, or was there for.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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