The relationship between birth order and personality has interested many people. Are children who are born first perfectionists and overachievers? Is the middle child fated to be like Jan Brady of "The Brady Bunch"? Do the babies of the family always turn out to be mom and dad's favorite? Psychologists are still investigating questions such as these and many others. Dr. Alfred Adler, most widely known for his research on birth order, wrote that a person's place in the family leaves and unquestionable imprint on his or her way of life. How is it that two or more individuals have the same parent, live in the same house, and become completely different adults (Barrymore)? Research has shown that birth order does affect a child, however it does not necessarily shape one's personality. If it did, life would be easily predictable. .
Birth order cannot explain all aspects of human behavior because personality is affected by other factors. These factors include spacing and sex of siblings, family size, education, heredity and upbringing. There are four standard classifications for birth order: the first-born, the only child, the middle child, and the baby of the family. The third or fourth born will usually pass on the feeling of being left out, which causes the birth order to start again with that later born child. Once a birth order is established in a family, it continues for life (Isaacson). Each position has distinct characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Birth order is not always exact but can offer clues to why people are the way they are (Leman, 11).
Stereotypically, the eldest children are said to be perfectionists. First-borns tend to be organized and high achieving people. Some other traits of first-born children are responsible, determined, critical, serious, eager to please, and nurturing. The oldest child of the family is usually extremely driven to succeed in high achievement fields such as science, medicine, and law.