What Things Only Middle Children Will Understand?

The Unseen Middle: A Constant Balancing Act

Honestly, being a middle child isn’t always as glamorous as the "baby" or the "oldest." While the firstborn gets all the attention for being the first to do everything, and the youngest is often pampered as the baby, the middle child often finds themselves in a bit of a no-man’s land. And let's be real, we middle kids know exactly what it feels like to not always have the spotlight on us. Growing up, I remember hearing from friends who were the firstborn or the youngest about how much they “got away with,” or how they were “the favorite.” But being in the middle often means having to carve out your own space without the luxury of being first or the youngest.

Being Forgotten... But Not for Long

The Parent's Attention Dilemma

Well, being the middle child means you often get overlooked, especially when you're trying to compete with the older sibling who’s already “experienced” everything, and the younger sibling who’s all cute and getting away with stuff. As a middle child, you may have often felt like you were neither here nor there. I personally remember countless times being in the background when my older sister was praised for her achievements and my younger brother was constantly getting away with being "the baby."

Honestly, it was frustrating sometimes—like, can’t I just be noticed for once? I’ve had to learn to find my own ways to shine, which, looking back, helped me become independent and a bit more resilient. But it’s something only a middle child truly understands: the need to stand out without being given that much attention.

You Become the Mediator

Well, here’s the thing about being in the middle—you end up being the peacekeeper. You don’t get to pick sides, but somehow, you’re always caught in the middle of sibling rivalries. I can’t count how many times I had to play mediator between my older sister and younger brother when they were arguing about something trivial. The middle child is always expected to be the calm one who can navigate those tricky family dynamics.

At first, I didn’t get why I had to play this role, but honestly, over the years, it taught me communication skills and a sense of diplomacy. Now, I can say with confidence that I can deal with difficult people because, well, I had to manage those sibling squabbles for years.

The Art of Being Forgotten but Not Ignored

The "Hand-Me-Downs" Life

Okay, this one might be a bit of a tough pill to swallow for middle children. Being the second kid often means you’re stuck with hand-me-down clothes, toys, and sometimes even experiences. I can’t tell you how many times I got my older sibling’s used clothes, and trust me, it wasn’t always fun. There’s something about having something that’s not “brand new” that makes you feel a little less special, right? But I also learned to make the most of it. I remember making a game out of taking those hand-me-downs and making them my own, adding my personal touch to everything, whether it was a jacket or a backpack.

So yeah, it might sound like I’m complaining, but looking back, those “hand-me-downs” taught me to be resourceful, to make things my own even when they weren't ideal. Again, only middle children know how to transform something secondhand into their own personal statement!

The Underdog Syndrome

Actually, growing up as a middle child often means you have this underdog mentality. No one expects you to be the best at everything, but you’re always trying to prove yourself. Whether it’s competing in school or with sports, there’s this constant feeling that you're trying to be as good as the older sibling or even better, but without the same expectations or accolades. And let’s be honest, it’s tough sometimes when you realize that no one’s watching or congratulating you the same way they do with the oldest or the youngest.

But here’s where I think the middle child shines: the drive to prove themselves. The underdog is always pushing forward, working hard, and often outshining expectations. It’s kind of like being the surprise contender—you may not always be the one in the spotlight, but you're the one who will surprise everyone when the time comes.

The Hidden Perks of Being a Middle Child

Freedom to Be Yourself

Honestly, one of the best things about being a middle child is that you get a lot more freedom than your older sibling. Your parents have already gone through the “first child” phase, so they’re more relaxed by the time you come around. This means you might get to stay out later, go to more events, and generally have a bit more flexibility. I remember when I got my first phone. My parents were so much more chill with me than they were with my older sibling at the same age.

And honestly, this can feel like a little victory—you're not under the same microscope as your firstborn sibling. Sure, your parents might not be as involved, but you get to figure things out on your own, and there's something incredibly empowering about that.

The Best of Both Worlds

Mouais, the great thing about being the middle child is that you get the best of both worlds. You’re not the oldest with all the pressure, and you’re not the youngest getting all the attention. You have the chance to observe and learn from your older sibling’s mistakes and then avoid them while still being able to enjoy the perks of being the “younger one” without all the pampering.

This middle ground helps you develop unique strengths. I noticed that as a middle child, I became very adaptable and independent, and it’s something that’s definitely benefited me in adult life. So, while it may seem like the middle child gets the short end of the stick sometimes, we also grow into people who know how to handle situations on our own.

Conclusion: The Middle Child Experience

So, what’s the takeaway? Honestly, growing up as a middle child might not always be easy, but it shapes us in ways that others can’t quite understand. From being the peacekeeper to mastering the art of the underdog, middle children develop skills and resilience that become valuable later in life. Sure, we may not get as much attention, but we become the quiet achievers who know how to make things happen without all the fanfare.

And hey, if you're a middle child, give yourself some credit. You’re not forgotten; you’re just busy doing amazing things behind the scenes.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.