Research-backed reasons proving that eldest siblings should rightly brag!
| Updated: Mar 27, 2018, 11:09 IST
It's not uncommon for elder siblings to consider themselves the Kings and Queens of their families. After all, they were born first, right? Well, today, we've got you a few other reasons backing this. Numerous studies have shown that birth order plays an important part in the development and how much influence this has, has been the point of contention among many experts. But regardless, there is something to be said about being the oldest one of the bunch.
Here are the few benefits of being a first-born! Firstly, several studies have stated that older siblings tend to be smarter. Research suggests that eldest children have higher IQs on average than their younger siblings. Researchers believe the difference is due to the environment rather than genetics. Eldest children often 'teach' their younger siblings, which can help them to better retain information, according to the authors. Also, as a family grows, parents have less time to spend with each child. “Every time you add a child, you’re diluting the intellectual environment of everyone in the family,” researchers concluded.
Older siblings are more responsible. Forging the path for their fellow siblings means eldest children learn some serious responsibility early in life. Now all you younger ones, we bet you will agree with this point, right?
Older ones also tend to be more successful in life. Not only do they perform well academically but they also tend to be more successful in their professional life. Research also suggests they tend to dominate their younger siblings as an authority figure of sorts, making them actually prepared to take on leadership roles.
Research also suggests that older children know well how to follow rules. “Firstborns tend to be responsible, competitive and conventional, whereas later-borns have to ‘distinguish’ themselves and create a specific niche by being playful, cooperative, and especially, rebellious,” Belgian psychologists Vasilis Sarolglou Laure and Fiasse wrote in a 2003 paper published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
Lastly, the elder ones tend to be more conscientious. They tend to be more agreeable than their younger siblings, characteristics that could help them in the long run.
Revel in the glory, eldest siblings. It’s hard to argue with science!
Here are the few benefits of being a first-born! Firstly, several studies have stated that older siblings tend to be smarter. Research suggests that eldest children have higher IQs on average than their younger siblings. Researchers believe the difference is due to the environment rather than genetics. Eldest children often 'teach' their younger siblings, which can help them to better retain information, according to the authors. Also, as a family grows, parents have less time to spend with each child. “Every time you add a child, you’re diluting the intellectual environment of everyone in the family,” researchers concluded.
Older siblings are more responsible. Forging the path for their fellow siblings means eldest children learn some serious responsibility early in life. Now all you younger ones, we bet you will agree with this point, right?
Older ones also tend to be more successful in life. Not only do they perform well academically but they also tend to be more successful in their professional life. Research also suggests they tend to dominate their younger siblings as an authority figure of sorts, making them actually prepared to take on leadership roles.
Research also suggests that older children know well how to follow rules. “Firstborns tend to be responsible, competitive and conventional, whereas later-borns have to ‘distinguish’ themselves and create a specific niche by being playful, cooperative, and especially, rebellious,” Belgian psychologists Vasilis Sarolglou Laure and Fiasse wrote in a 2003 paper published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
Lastly, the elder ones tend to be more conscientious. They tend to be more agreeable than their younger siblings, characteristics that could help them in the long run.
Revel in the glory, eldest siblings. It’s hard to argue with science!