Last year I began my photo blog with a description of each the staples in my life-my children and my husband. The little bugger you see above is Emmabear (Emmalynn). I wasn't quite sure if she would keep her nickname. I was kind of on the fence thinking that just maybe she is going through the terrible two's. Boy was I wrong! And, boy am I happy! She is just as defiant, just as independent, just as outgoing and witty and courageous as ever. As trying as these traits in a three-year-old can be on the parent, I know she will grow to be a strong and inspiring leader.
Often times when we are out and about I get this question, "Is she the youngest?" As the question kept reoccurring it reminded me of the Birth Order Theory. Alfred Adler was the first to suggest that birth order influences personality. Simply stated it suggests that the first born child is ambitious, a natural leader with a high level of responsibility. The second born (or the middle child) is the peace-keeper, obsessed with fairness, and a social butterfly. Finally, the last born (or the "baby") is a risk-taker and oh-so charming. While psychologists have reasonings for all of this, and while I am not fluent in all the research, I find the theory intriguing but not reliable. First, my thoughts go directly to my children. While they fit some categories (and Emma certainly fits the risk-taker profile), their domineering traits are from at least two of the three categories. Secondly, from a more reliable perspective, more recent peer-reviewed data suggest no link, correction, and causal affects exist. Although society readily accepts this theory I can't get past the influence of gender, socio-economic statues, cultural norms, age, number of years between births, parental age, and genetics. Perhaps society is only recognizing and remembering those children that do fit their criteria and is dismissing (thus forgetting) the children that don't. There is most likely a lack of knowledge in the area as well. One of the latest theories is from psychologist Alan E. Stewart who suggests that personality isn't necessarily determined by numerical birth order but, rather, it is determined by psychological birth order (one's perceived position in the family). Regardless of either theory, there still exists the aforementioned variables.
I have to say I am obviously fascinated by the psychological aspects. However, regardless of personality traits in any order from any child, they are who they are that is what is important. With a stable environment, a healthy diet, and proper guidance I know all three of my girls will be able to use their stronger personality traits to be the best they can be.