National Middle Child Middle Child Day

A warm-hearted middle child surrounded by their diverse siblings, adorned in trendy clothing, in a bustling cityscape..
National middle child middle child day illustration

Ah, the middle child. Always sandwiched between the oldest and the youngest, forever craving attention and validation. Well, fear not, my dear middle children, because today is your day to shine—National Middle Child Day! Let us revel in this moment of glory, as we pay homage to the ones who often feel lost in the family shuffle.

When is Middle Child Middle Child Day?

It's national middle child middle child day on the 13th August.


A Brief History of National Middle Child Day

Now, you may be wondering how on earth National Middle Child Day came to be. Well, I did some deep digging on the internet to uncover the fascinating history behind this peculiar celebration.

Believe it or not, this noteworthy day was first mentioned online a whopping 353 times. And the most buzz it ever received was on August 13, 2015. The internet, it seems, was abuzz with middle child appreciation back then.

But where did it all begin? To my surprise, there isn't a clear origin story for National Middle Child Day. It seems to have emerged gradually, with parents and siblings alike realizing the need to acknowledge the middle children among us.

It's as if someone woke up one morning, looked at their middle child and thought, 'Hey, you deserve a day of recognition!' And thus, a celebration was born.

Fun Ways to Celebrate

Now that we know a bit about the history, let's dive into the fun part—how to celebrate National Middle Child Day! Here are a few lighthearted and amusing suggestions:

  • Throw a Middle Child Mixer: Gather your fellow middle children for a party where you can bond over your shared experiences of being blissfully ignored or constantly overshadowed.
  • Stage a Middle Child Rebellion: Declare this day a revolt against middle child stereotypes. Wear a sash that proudly proclaims, 'Middle Child Power!' or create a protest sign that demands 'Equal Attention for All!'
  • Write a Middle Child Memoir: Embrace your middle child identity by jotting down all the quirky moments, funny anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections that have shaped your unique experience.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, remember to indulge in some self-appreciation and bask in the glory that is being a middle child. You are the unsung heroes of the family!



History behind the term 'Middle Child Middle Child'


1969

The Theory of Birth Order

In 1969, American psychologist, Walter Toman, introduced the concept of birth order psychology. He argued that birth order, or the position in which a child is born in the family, plays a significant role in shaping an individual's personality and behaviors. Toman identified the middle child as having distinct characteristics, such as being independent, peacemakers, and having a strong need for belonging.


1978

The Term 'Middle Child Syndrome'

In 1978, psychologist Alfred Adler's theories on birth order gained further attention when psychiatrist Dr. Leman published his book 'The Birth Order Book.' In the book, Dr. Leman coined the term 'Middle Child Syndrome' to describe the perceived disadvantages and challenges commonly associated with being a middle child. This term sparked popular interest and became widely recognizable.


1980s

Cultural References Highlighting Middle Child

During the 1980s, the concept of the 'middle child' started to appear in popular culture. Television shows like 'The Brady Bunch' and 'Family Ties' depicted fictional middle children, bringing attention to their unique position in the family. Additionally, books like 'The Middle Child's Guide to Surviving in a Television Family' contributed to the cultural recognition of the term 'middle child.'



1998

Middle Child Awareness Day

In 1998, Elizabeth Walker, a middle child herself, felt inspired to create awareness and celebrate the middle child's experience. She founded Middle Child's Day, now observed on August 12th annually. This day aims to recognize and appreciate the qualities and contributions of middle children, counteracting the perceived 'middle child syndrome.' It encourages inclusivity and acknowledgement of their unique position.


2003

Online Communities and Middle Child Memes

With the rise of the internet and social media, online communities dedicated to middle children emerged in the early 2000s. These communities provided a platform for middle children worldwide to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their birth order. Memes and humorous content related to 'middle child syndrome' became popular, spreading awareness of the term and fostering a sense of solidarity.


Present Day

Acknowledgement and Appreciation

Today, the term 'middle child' and the associated concept of 'middle child syndrome' continue to be widely recognized. While the theory and its implications remain debated in psychology, the cultural impact of the term has led to increased acknowledgement and appreciation for middle children. Various articles, books, and discussions emphasize the unique strengths and qualities middle children bring to their families and communities.



Did you know?

Did you know that some famous middle children include Madonna, Julia Roberts, and Martin Luther King Jr? They certainly know how to make themselves heard!

Tagged

awareness fun loved ones

First identified

12th August 2015

Most mentioned on

13th August 2015

Total mentions

353

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