National Middle Children Day

A friendly and stylish middle child surrounded by their older and younger siblings, dressed in trendy clothes, posing near a beautiful park.. — National middle children day illustration

Hey there, fellow sibling lovers! Are you ready to celebrate National Middle Children Day? Well, get ready, because this day is all about those amazing middle siblings who often get overshadowed by their older and younger siblings. So, let's dive into the world of middle children and discover how this special day came to be!

When is Middle Children Day?

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

The Origins of National Middle Children Day

Did you know that National Middle Children Day was actually started by a middle child herself? Yep, it was created by a woman named Elizabeth Walker back in 1986 to honor and recognize the often overlooked middle children. You see, Elizabeth was tired of seeing her middle child status being dismissed and wanted to bring attention to the unique experiences of being a middle child. So, she decided to designate August 12th as National Middle Children Day, and the rest is history. Now, middle children around the world have a day to call their own!

Celebrating Middle Children

Unlike the more well-known National Siblings Day, National Middle Children Day is all about highlighting and appreciating the middle child role. So, how can you celebrate this day? Well, if you happen to be a middle child, you can use this day to remind your family and friends that you're just as special and deserving of attention as your siblings. And if you're not a middle child, why not show some love to the middle children in your life? Give them a shoutout on social media, surprise them with a small gift, or simply spend some quality time together. Trust us, it'll mean the world to them.

Fun Fact: The Middle Child Syndrome

Did you know that the term 'Middle Child Syndrome' is often used to describe the perceived disadvantages and challenges faced by middle children? While it might sound a bit serious, it's actually quite amusing when you think about it. Middle children are often said to feel neglected or overlooked, but hey, look at the bright side: they also learn to be independent, adaptable, and great mediators. So, being a middle child isn't all that bad, right?

History behind the term 'Middle Children'

1889

Introduction of the term 'middle children'

The term 'middle children' was first introduced in 1889 by psychologist Alfred Adler. Adler developed the concept of birth order and recognized the unique position of those siblings who fall between the oldest and youngest children in a family. He coined the term 'middle children' to describe this specific birth order position.

1978

Introduction of the term 'middle children'

In 1978, the term 'middle children' was introduced to popular culture by psychologist Walter Toman. Toman, in his book 'Family Constellation,' described the unique position of individuals who were born between older and younger siblings. He called them 'middle children.' This term gained traction and is now commonly used to describe individuals who fall in between their siblings in birth order.

1983

Jan Brady Syndrome

In 1983, the term 'Jan Brady Syndrome' was coined, inspired by the character Jan Brady from the popular TV show 'The Brady Bunch.' Jan Brady, being a middle child, often felt overlooked and overshadowed by her older sister, Marcia, and her younger sister, Cindy. This phrase became synonymous with the feelings of neglect or underappreciation that some middle children experience.

1976

Recognition of middle child syndrome

In 1976, psychologist Catherine Salmon and social scientist Katrin Schumann published the book 'The Secret Power of Middle Children.' This book shed light on the challenges and strengths of middle children, popularizing the concept of 'middle child syndrome.' Middle child syndrome refers to the belief that middle children often feel neglected, overlooked, or overshadowed by their siblings.

1997

Middle Child Day

Middle Child Day was established in 1997 by Elizabeth Walker as a way to honor and celebrate the unique experiences of middle children. This day, observed on August 12th, aims to bring recognition and appreciation to middle children worldwide. It has gained popularity over the years and is now recognized as an international observance.

1985

National Middle Child Day

To celebrate the unique position of middle children and raise awareness about their experiences, National Middle Child Day was established. In 1985, Elizabeth Walker, a writer and middle child herself, created this special day. It is observed on August 12th each year. National Middle Child Day aims to recognize and appreciate the contributions middle children make to their families and society.

2003

National Middle Child's Day

In 2003, Middle Child's Day was officially recognized and added to the list of national observances in the United States. The day was designated to raise awareness about the challenges faced by middle children and to acknowledge their contributions to families and society. It serves as a reminder to show appreciation and support for middle children.

2003

Middle Child Day goes viral

In 2003, National Middle Child Day gained significant attention due to a viral email campaign. The email encouraged people to forward the message to show support for middle children everywhere. This unexpected surge in popularity brought more awareness to the day and the experiences of middle children. It also sparked discussions about the importance of acknowledging and valuing middle children's unique qualities and perspectives.

Present

Increased recognition and celebration of middle children

In recent years, the celebration of National Middle Child Day has continued to grow. Through social media, online communities, and various articles, middle children now have platforms to share their stories and connect with others who share similar experiences. Many people embrace their middle child status proudly, emphasizing the positive traits often associated with middle children, such as independence, diplomacy, and adaptability.

Did you know?

Did you know that National Middle Children Day was started by a middle child herself to bring attention to the unique experiences of being a middle child?