August 12, 2019 (Monday)
National Insights web site says this is “Middle Child’s Day,” and has this to say about it:
Middle Child’s Day gives a little well deserved recognition to the wonderful and special middle child in the family. Older and younger children tend to be more outgoing, or extroverted. ..The middle Child tends to be more introverted, quieter, perhaps a bit of a loner.
Sorry, National Insights, but your description of the middle child does not fit our family. In our family of five children the middle child was Debbie. She was a very outgoing person all her life. She was always interested in people and was greatly loved by many.
I am sure the observations of National Insights are based on qualified studies, but our family may be an exception to their conclusions about birth order.
This brings to my mind several considerations:
1. I must always be skeptical of survey results.
2. I must not make plans for myself based on such studies.
3. My skepticism should extend to polls. They have at times been wrong.
4. “Nurture or Nature” is inconclusive. Nurture and Nature is true.
5. These are my ideas. Yours may be completely different. That’s OK.
Aside from studies that tend to stereotype people, or, as it is said today, “put people in boxes (or pigeonholes),” we should treat everyone fairly, with kindness and encouragement, and remember that each person, even our own child, is unique. He/she is one of a kind. That has certainly been true in our family. From the oldest to the youngest, each of our children has been extra special and has brought joy into our lives. In my old age, I am blessed by my children and those who have been loved into our family and are very much members of our family. I look forward to each call and visit. Words are inadequate to express my love for each of my children. And each of my grand children. And my one and only great grand daughter. Thank you Lord for blessing me with a wonderful family. Each one is precious.
Let us also remember that each child is worthy of our love. Remember a verse from the hymn, “God Give Us Christian Homes,” by B. B. McKinney: “God, give us Christian homes. Homes where the children are led to know Christ in His beauty who loves them so..” Christ knocks at our heart’s door and He knocks at the doors of our homes.
