National Middle Child Day is observed annually on 12 August. It’s the day that gives special recognition to the middle child/children of the family, who often feel left out.
It is believed that birth order plays a significant role in children’s personalities. This order states that the first-born is often the leader and role-player while the youngest one is always considered the baby of the family. This leaves the middle child with no special role, creating the Middle Child Syndrome.
Birth order is known to contribute to the Big Five personality traits like extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experiences. Some personality studies claim that middle children tend to be creative and artistic.
National Middle Children’s Day was created in the 1980s by Elizabeth Walker and was initially intended to be observed on the second Saturday in August. However it became generally accepted to celebrate this day on 12 August.
A newspaper article submitted by her grandson – Litton Walker III – stated that she wanted to create a National Day to honour those children who were born in the middle of families as she felt they were often left out. The name of the day was later changed to National Middle Child Day.
To celebrate this day, keep your middle child/children in mind. Here is a video to help you understand what it feels like to be the middle child:
Post on social media using #NationalMiddleChildDay.
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