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Youngest Siblings Are The Funniest And Most Favoured By Parents – But First-Borns Are More Productive, Shows Research

The differences in character and personality between siblings has been highlighted in new research

While there are downsides to being the younger child (hand-me-downs, for one), there are also plenty of positives. And no, we don’t mean they’re able to get away with more.  

Compared to their older siblings, the youngest child in a family is funnier, more favoured by their parents, more easy-going and more relaxed, research has shown.

Prince Harry does seem to come across as more carefree than his big bro Wills, but then he isn't third in line to the throne and a dad... [Getty]
Prince Harry does seem to come across as more carefree than his big bro Wills, but then he isn't third in line to the throne and a dad... [Getty]


But it’s not all good news. While the youngest sibling may be more carefree and allowed to get away with more, they’re less likely to be as successful as their big brother or sister.  

The study, conducted by YouGov, shows that older siblings are more responsible, organised and more able to prioritise.

Plus, they’re more self-confident and family-orientated.

Researchers divided the first and last-born siblings in British families with more than one child to see the divide in personality traits. And age could play a big part in the differing characteristics.

In the Kardashian/Jenner clan, middle sister Kim is the most successful (and her mum Kris frequently admits she's the favourite child, too) [Instagram/Kim Kardashian]
In the Kardashian/Jenner clan, middle sister Kim is the most successful (and her mum Kris frequently admits she's the favourite child, too) [Instagram/Kim Kardashian]



Older children were more likely to admit to being more successful than their siblings – possibly because they’ve had more time to get on in life.

“Undoubtedly, there are family forces at work – parental attention soon shifts onto new arrivals, and first borns may to learn the ropes themselves,” states the research notes.

“As evidence, elder siblings are more likely to feel more organised and able to prioritse their own lives. Likewise, younger siblings are more likely to be feel more favoured by their parents.”



[New Mummy Blog: Feeling Guilty About Having A Second Baby]

[Mum Diary: A Case Of Sibling Rivalry – Why Do My Children Argue?]

Do the study’s findings sound about right to you? Let us know in the comments.