Firstborn, middle, or youngest? Birth order affects children’s health

What should parents take away from this? While birth order can influence a person’s life, there are no absolutes, Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, tells Yahoo Life. “As parents, we have tremendous power to help our kids avoid falling into those common stereotypes through the way we interact with them.” When it comes to their kids, McCready says it’s important for parents to try and avoid labels and comparisons, which can pigeonhole kids into roles in which they feel stuck, even into adulthood. Instead, celebrate individual strengths.

Next, check in with them. “It’s not just what we do, it’s how our kids interpret it,” McCready says. She suggests asking: “How do you feel about the jobs we each have in the family?” and “Do you ever feel like I expect more from you than your siblings?”

May 9, 2025 | 6:44 am