Why is the third-born normally despised by the first-born in most families including my own and my wifes?

Answer 1

The saying you choose your friends you are stuck with your family springs to mind!

However, on a more serious note a lot of it is normally down to how you are treated as children. A lot of first born children believe they have had to break down parental barriers and fight to become an adult, whereas their younger siblings haven't. The youngest child (often the third born) is quite often spoilt as the 'baby' of the family.

Also if their are three children then the says two's company three's a crowd often rings true. Siblings argue between themselves and often there is already a strong between the first two children before number three comes along.

It isn't however always the case. I know quite a few large families and am one of four myself and I can honestly say that I don't hate my siblings in fact they are very good friends as well as family.

As the eldest girl I had more fights with my parents to gain my freedom and I know my little brother and sister have had it easier, but, as it isn't there fault I don't hold it against them or my parents for that matter it is just the way it is.

Oh and in my family the third born is a genius and is going to be very rich so we have to keep on his good side ;-)

Answer 2

I'm the first of three children so I can tell you from expirience that it sucks getting in trouble for something your little brother or sister did. It's either "oh you weren't watching them" or "they did it because they saw you do it". Then there's the fact that the oldest always gets in trouble worse for things than the youngest ones. When I first skipped a class and they found out I was in deep... by the time my brother got around to doing it, it was barely a thing because they had dealt with worse already lol. They would just ask him "why'd you skip your math class yesterday?"... ooohhhhhhh to be the youngest lol.

Now everything's cool and we all get along :) probably because none of us live with our parents anymore lol

Answer 3

That is best explained in the book in this link. Sibling rivalry is common. A good dose of Christian love is needed. And patience, mercy and longsuffering by the despised. (Speaking to the choir here as the baby of four and her eldest female sibling !) The middle children are usually the peace keepers, mediators I've read. They generally find their closest friends outside the family unit. You will find this or books similar to be helpful. I had one that was co-written by Dr. Leman with someone else but can't remember and this seems to be a newer version.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?isbn=080075977X&itm=2

Answer 4

Are they despised? I have 2 sisters, the middle one is a pain and I adore my youngest sister. I am the oldest and growing up only the youngest ever listened to me. We are still best friends.

Answer 5

The eldest most is always cruel to the younger all, by thinking him/her the only one belonging to the parents. Other all younger are his slaves.
At the time of inheritance distribution, the first born is always injustice to other younger.

Answer 6

my brother, the third-born is not despised by me, the first-born...quite the opposite infact

Answer 7

because the third born is always snitching on the first born

Answer 8

My mom had 7 kids and the 3rd was a set of twins. Only one lived. With 6 pregnancy's nothing like that went on in our house

Answer 9

my wife (the first born) says its because her sister ( the third born) is abitch and aslut

Answer 10

They get the most attention! And right now, my 2-year old bites my 6-year old constantly (and my 3 year old thinks it's funny).