logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
43m 4s

245, The psychology of the middle child

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

We all know the stereotypes about the eldest child, the youngest and the only child, but the middle child often seems to be left out, and not just from our conversations on birth order theory, but also seemingly from the family sometimes. In today's episode, we putting a spotlight on the middle children, including how their position in the family makes them so agreeable, why they often become the conflict mediators, and how this can build resentment later in life. 

We also discuss why middle children feel so unseen, but also are the most independent, how they behave in friendships, relationships, in the workplace, and what happens when there are multiple middle children, as well as how to reparent your middle child. Listen now! 

PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755841/person-in-progress-by-jemma-sbeg/ 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Jul 8
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
48m 22s
Jul 7
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
51m 55s
Jul 3
310. 5 signs you’re on the wrong career path
Is your job making you feel drained, disconnected, or just deeply unfulfilled? In today’s episode, we unpack the five major signs that your career may not be the right fit — from emotional numbness and burnout, to identity disalignment and daydreaming about quitting more than sta ... Show More
39m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
[Mindful Parenting Podcast Friends] Seed & Sew: How Our Coping Mechanisms in Childhood Show Up in Our Parenthood with Dr. Gabor Mate
In this episode, Alyssa interviews renowned speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Mate. They dive into his bestselling book, "The Myth of Normal" and discuss how coping mechanisms from our childhood show up later in our parenthood. They also discussed toxic culture, and what ... Show More
44m 33s
May 2024
How to Fix Sibling Fights and Aggression
Discord between siblings is normal. But what do you do when it escalates to aggression or a level of conflict that is out of alignment with your family values? In this episode, I answer a question from a mom of toddlers about what's going on between her toddler and preschoole ... Show More
25m 39s
May 26
How to Think Like a Child (with David Yeager)
Why do kids do disruptive, annoying or maddening things? Usually when children behave badly, the first thing adults do is yell at them, tell them they're bad and dole out punishments. Developmental psychologist David Yeager says that's the wrong approach. Instead parents need wor ... Show More
35m 6s
Feb 2025
Parent Yourself First: Break Generational Cycles for Better Parenting
Unresolved childhood wounds can influence your reactions and relationships with your children. By breaking generational cycles and cultivating self-awareness, parents can create more empathetic, connected and supportive environments for their families.This week, I welcome back Br ... Show More
48m 20s
Jul 2024
Case Study: How to Handle Sibling Conflict without Taking Sides
Are you struggling with sibling rivalry or managing multiple kids' needs? Imagine a morning when you’re pulled in every direction, resolving online meeting issues for one child while another is desperate for your attention. How do you manage these conflicting demands without ... Show More
19m 56s
Apr 24
119. Not for Revenge + Why Does No One Prepare Us for Adult Siblings?
Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code NOTFOREVERYONE at Lumedeodorant.com! #lumepod__Babies, let’s talk about relationships! But not just romantic relationships—Jess and Caroline are going deep on how families deal with conflict, hanging o ... Show More
1h 23m
Dec 2024
2433: How to Cope With Sibling Rivalry by Adina Soclof of Parenting Simply on Empathy-Driven Strategies for Parents
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2433:Adina Soclof's insights on sibling rivalry offer practical, empathy-driven strategies for parents to manage conflicts a ... Show More
9m 46s
Jan 2025
Episode 65- Parenting Strong-Willed Children: It's All In The Delivery With Special Guest Maysaa Fahour
Send us a textParenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys, and no one understands this better than Coach Maysaa—a mom of four, a former primary school teacher, and a certified Conscious Parent Coach. Trained under the renowned Dr. Shefali, Maysaa specializes i ... Show More
1h 8m
Jan 2019
Birth Order & Your Love Life: How Birth Order Impacts Your Relationships
Q: “Hey Debra, I’d love to hear your thoughts about if and how birth order impacts a relationship”.  A: Are you the oldest child, middle child, or the baby of your family? Believe it or not, how you answer that question will actually have a significant impact on the type of perso ... Show More
31m 53s
Jun 23
The Follow-Up: Unlearning and Re-parenting Together
This episode is personal. My husband and I sit down for an open, honest, and vulnerable conversation about what it means to reparent ourselves while raising our son. It’s a raw look at how childhood experiences—good and bad—shape us as adults, and how we can consciously break har ... Show More
17m 6s