Poor first borns! Studies show that they DO have it harder than their siblings. Parents do tend to be stricter with their first born child, and generally let the younger ones have an easier time of it. Parents tend to set the bar with the first, and expect the others to follow based on the discipline of the first. (Hoping that they will scare the youngers to be good!) But what ends up happening is that the parents tend to let the others get away with a bit more. I wonder if maybe by that time they get sick of parenting? Some days I do!
And in my state of exhaustion I admit to being a bit easier on my younger ones. Bad, I know - but by the time the third kids has done it, it just does not seem as much of a drama then when the first did it - KWIM?

Also interesting is that as a child grows up, the firstborn is less likely to be supported financially by their parents than the younger ones. There seems to be a bigger expectation that the oldest will be successful and able to take care of himself.

I would not break out the violins just yet. I am a firstborn, and while yes I might have been disciplined a bit more and yes, my parents still tend to slip my little bro a bit more money than me, there are also a lot of advantages to being a firstborn. And personally, I would not trade it for the world!

Why so many meds? American children take anti-psychotic medicines at a rate six times higher than children in the UK. Six times! The most common medicines are prescribed for autism and hyperactivity. Are we over medicating our children???

One reason cited is the fact that in America there is more direct advertising to the consumer (think all of those drug commercials on TV these days) and this is increasing parents awareness and a direct demand for the drugs. But the big question I have is - are drugs being prescribed because parents demand them? Or are doctors really doing all tests necessary to ensure that the child really does need them. Parents, please educate yourselves - do not only be influenced by commercials, but educate yourselves on all aspects of your child’s condition and work with your doctors to choose the best treatments for your children.