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
Oct 7
340. The 10 regrets I have about my 20s (so far)
Today I'm reflecting on some of the lessons I've been taking from my early 20s. We all have regrets about things we wish we'd done differently or not done at all, and I'm hoping you can learn from mine. We talk about everything from bad financial decisions, ghosting friends, stay ... Show More
39m 2s
Oct 2
339. The psychology of rock bottom
Hitting rock bottom is one of the most painful human experiences - when the future is blurry, the past feels heavy, and you barely recognize the person staring back in the mirror. Maybe it’s the end of a relationship, losing your job, battling addiction, or simply feeling like ev ... Show More
40m 1s
Oct 1
I Am Not Here To Manage Other People's Emotions
In this bonus release, I am sharing an episode of my other podcast, MANTRA. This week's mantra is I Am Not Here to Manage Other People’s Emotions. It's a common trap to feel responsible for the feelings of those around us, often at the expense of our own emotional well-being. But ... Show More
32m 24s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 28
The Impact Of Birth Order: What All Parents Need To Understand
Are firstborns natural leaders, and the youngest the rebellious baby? Jess and Scott dismantle the popular—and surprisingly persistent—myths surrounding birth order. Scott shares fascinating research that reveals birth order's impact on personality and intelligence is almost non- ... Show More
1 h
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 preschooler, w ... Show More
25m 39s
May 2025
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
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
Feb 2025
How to Successfully Connect With Your Teenager
When parents learn what their children need from them at different developmental stages, it reduces conflict and increases connection. For example, the teen years require a very different set of strategies than others which most parents don’t know.  In this episode Dr. Shefali di ... Show More
42m 36s
Feb 2025
How To Handle Sibling Fights: Parenting Tips That Work
Safe to say, my boys have entered the "fighting phase"—and why I’m calling it a phase, I have no idea, because I know this is just part of life with siblings!   If your kids fight too, you’re not alone. I’ve been navigating this stage in my own home, and I know how frustrating (a ... Show More
40m 44s
Aug 15
2694: The Four Parenting Styles by The Gottman Editorial Team on Advice for Parents on Children's Emotional Growth
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 2694: The Gottman Editorial Team breaks down the four parenting styles based on emotional responsiveness, showing how each ... Show More
8m 25s
Sep 2024
Earning Respect: What is Leadership Parenting?
#001 In the first episode of the BratBusters Parenting Podcast, Lisa Bunnage, a Parenting Coach, mom, and grandmother, alongside her daughter Amy, discuss the fundamental principles of Leadership Parenting. Lisa shares personal anecdotes, including her discipline technique with h ... Show More
28m 13s