“Each year on August 12th, National Middle Child Day is observed across the United States. This day gives special recognition to the middle child in the family” (source).

Amanda

is My Middle Childand she is a delight!

I searched google to find a National Day for the Oldest Child/First-Born and Youngest Child and I could not.  It is possible that Middle Children are given a special day because they sometimes experience

Middle Child Syndrome

There was no middle child in my family when I was growing up, only myself and my sister Gina.  Being the first-born in my family, it is difficult for me to imagine a disorder associated with birth order.  Therefore I am puzzled by the Middle Child Syndrome being a reality that some children experience.  The first-born is many times considered to be the leader, while the youngest, or “baby of the family” has his own special place.  Does this leave the middle child without a special place or role?  I have three children and happen to know that the middle child does in fact have a special role.

But research indicates that this syndrome is very real.  These children may feel they are given scant attention and that their siblings are recognized more than they.

Amanda

in my opinion, is an exception to the rule!Amanda is special for so many reasons.

For example:

she is a natural born leader and adventurer.This picture was taken during a tour of the United States Capitol in 2007.  Amanda was the tour guide.  She took the initiative to go to Washington D.C. and serve as an intern for Senator Mel Martinez while she was “just a baby”.  And isn’t she lovely?She also gave me a tour of the city, and obediently posed with the flowers for this picture.

Amanda is very imaginative and a lot of fun to be with.

But she also has a serious sideand beautiful blue-green eyes.

She has a Master’s Degree; graduating from UNF with honors.

I am very proud of her and hope that she is only teasing when she calls herself “the forgotten child”.

At this point she must know that she is anything but forgotten.   Maybe we should start referring to them as the “Central” as opposed to the “Middle”.

Happy Central Child Day Amanda!

Note to Stephanie and Richard: Be forewarned.  Even though there is no National First-Born Day or National Youngest Child Day… I’m a Blogger, and I’ll embarrass you too.