Baby of the family

Spoiled. Center of attention. Favorite one. I’ve been called such things. Birth order in families has been stereotyped and classified into detailed descriptions, leaving each child practically defenseless in any attempt to break the norm of labels.

Are you the first born? Well then, let me describe who you are as a person. You must be smart, responsible, and well organized. You excel in everything you do, and you’re a peacemaker.

Do you fall in the middle of your family? Naturally, you must crave attention, which you do not receive enough of, and you are probably the opposite of your older sibling. There’s a chance that you are rebellious and secretive as well

And then there’s me. The baby.

I’ve inherited a personal description to live up to. I get to be spoiled, attention seeking, and the perceived favorite. This description has been forced upon me, and I am ready to fight for who I really am. No longer will I settle for stereotypes.

Spoiled? No way. Let me direct your attention to the numerous boxes of hand-me-downs I endured through my childhood. Sadly, style changes. This means that the puffy, neon-colored coats and the sunflower-bathed fabrics were detrimental to me. I have played with used toys and worn used clothes for years, qualifying me as a walking garage sale. So let’s take it easy if I happen to receive some new toys now. You may call it “spoiled,” but I call it “getting even” from years past.

Hm. The center of attention? If I remember correctly, my sisters had three whole years to claim attention before I even arrived on the scene. I’m sorry if my cute face and likeable personality stole some more glances, but I’m sure you received those same loving kisses and hugs when you were a new addition to the family. The difference is, I didn’t get a chance to stand by and witness. So just remember, I’m three years younger, thus I have three years of attention to catch up on in order to be even.

As far as being the favorite one goes, I can’t do much to alter other people’s opinions of me. I guess my advice would be to learn from me. I have a lot of valuable qualities that earn my place as the favorite. Observe. Take some notes. Being the favorite is hard work sometimes.

If you are a fellow baby of the family, be proud of who you are. Don’t let life’s stereotypes define you. But, if they do, keep it on the down low. You’re making life difficult for the rest of us.