You would be amused to know that the order you were born to your siblings have an effect on your personality. There are birth order theories of personality which support it with scientific facts. Not only the personality of the person can get influenced but place in the family lineup can have an impact on your physical health. One can do nothing about the birth order but know more of it and prepare you for the best.

FIRST BORNS
A recent study showed that firstborns in an average of 3 points higher on IQ than their younger siblings. Being brainy goes along with better health too for the first born. They are less likely to develop coronary heart disease and some cancers. Eldest ones are more likely to suffer from allergies, hay fever, eczema, and even asthma. The reason might be that, firstborns are overprotected. If your child is constantly congested, remember that allergies are the real culprit in about half of chronic sinus infections. The eldest is typically exposed to higher estrogen levels in the womb than later-born sibs which may up his risk of disease.  The risk of gum disease is 5% lower.

MIDDLE CHILDREN
Middle children tend to have lower self-esteem than first- or last-born, perhaps because parents are busy with the other kids. Study found that parents spent less money and nearly 10% less time caring for them, compared with older or younger kids. Make sure second-born isn’t second-class when the first child is born, parents are euphoric. The initial enthusiasm of being a parent dies down by the time the second child arrives in the family, who is reared more as a matter of duty. Make sure you take the middle child along to movies or social gatherings. Middle kids are slightly more likely to suffer from CFS than their younger or older siblings. The main cause of chronic fatigue (CF) in India, apart from chronic infections, is likely to the stress-related conditions. If your seemingly healthy child refuses to play outdoors or is not excited about going for a picnic, it’s time to seek help. The risk of allergies is lower in the middle ones.

YOUNG SIBLINGS
Young siblings who grew up with older siblings are 10% less likely to develop diseases of the immune system than single children. Kids with three or more siblings were 50% more likely to be injured than those from smaller families. Parents tend to get relaxed and less cautious by the time the third or the fourth child arrives. Youngest kids go through puberty 3 months earlier on average than their older siblings. The youngest tend to grow up fast and too soon as they have their elder sibs to emulate. Early puberty can cause an increase in risk taking. Youngest children start having sex about 2 months earlier than their older brothers and sisters. They are also more likely to smoke cigarettes.

Whichever number your child may fall, it is very important to communicate you’re your children and play parents in a real sense. Peer pressure is real, but parents have a huge protective influence, too.