1st Annual Middle Children United

"My husband is a middle child, as is my 19 year old daughter. Often times, I find myself caught between the two as one is always quick to rescue the other. My daughter often pitifully laments how my oldest son is doted upon, receives all that is new, has been wrapped in bubble wrap and never ever forgotten. Along those lines, my youngest son came a bit later so there is a 6 year difference between my daughter and youngest son, also lovingly referred to as "Baby Oops." She laments how wonderful it was being the girl in the family and getting treated as royalty because of it. She said that changed when my youngest was born. She "claims" I have modified standards for him, that he has likely robbed 3 banks in his 13 years and I assisted by driving the get-away car. My husband won't argue with her but he won't back me up either! :D He also purports middle child discrimination growing up as his older brother was driven, brilliant and of course, the first. He claims his younger brother never had the same discipline applied to him either. After whin...er... comparing/contrasting stories with my step-mother, she also reminded me that she was also a middle child, that the oldest was also doted upon and that, generally, by the time the third comes around, parenting becomes "a bit more flexible." This has been an ongoing and lively debate amongst family members for several years now. I could not resist the idea of helping them charter their own Middle Children Organization or, as I internally refer to it, "The Whiners Club." This made for a hysterical Christmas gift for the three and that picture is attached. I am quite proud, if I do say so myself. Respectfully, The YOUNGEST child." - Middle Children United (Jan 03, 2022)