Adler's Theory Of Birth Order Position

Adler’s view on birth order position.

Alfred Adler believed there were many unique differences in children based on birth order position. He believed that each child would have their own set of traits caused by where they were born in the sequence. For example, when first borns arrive, the parents are extremely excited so baby gets all of the parents’ love, attention, and care. The baby has never had to compete for those things. Then, second baby comes, and the first born child doesn’t get as much attention which leads them to compete for attention by throwing tantrums, not listening, etc. Now the first born baby loses their sense of secure attachment, and they’re punished for their attempts to take back their love and attention they once had.
Second and Middle born children on the other hand, will never have the experience of a first born because from the moment they were born the love and attention from mom and dad have been shared. They never experience dethronement like the first borns do, they don’t …show more content…
For the sake of accuracy I’m going to consider my middle born brother as the first born. Following Adler’s theory of birth order, my parent noticed that I was developing faster due to having the competitiveness of trying to surpass him. I learned to walk sooner, I began writing and reading sooner, and my mathematical skills were advanced for my age due to competitions my parents would have with us. However, other than me developing faster, I don’t see many of Adler’s theoretical points working within my family. My father was an alcoholic and my mother worked sixteen hour shifts practically every day. I ended up becoming the caretaker for my first born older brother as well as my mother and father. I had to take on the stereotypical mother role as well as looking after my dad and ensuring my brother and I were safe while my mother was at