usually the parent of the same sex. Only borns are also subject to emotional disturbances. Statistically, they are more apt to require clinical help and to return for further counseling later in life. An example of this would be shown by “In military training camp, only children were more likely to consult a psychiatrist, be diagnosed as psychoneurotic, and be discharged from the service.” (Toman, 1992, p.132) Another characteristic of only children is that they grow up favoring adult company and in turn use adult mannerisms and language at an early age. Other less important attributes of only children are: short tempers which usually result in tantrums, ethicality, constant perseverance for acceptance from all, sets boundaries for themselves and others and is more sensitive to pain. First borns are almost an entirely different in comparison to only children. They tend to be highly motivated and strive to set examples for the younger siblings. Because of this motivation, first borns gravitate toward higher educational and career aspirations than the later born children do. An example of this is the fact that twenty-one of the first twenty-three astronauts were first-born children. They also become the authoritarian and also the protectors of their siblings. This causes them to be very responsible individuals. Insisting that power is their possession, first-borns reach for perfection in every detail and become very determined to have things, as they want them to be. First borns also grow up feeling forgotten by the parents. They grow embittered because they now have to share the parents’ attention with another sibling or siblings. This causes them to crave attention from people. They are apt to be “show-offs” and very demonstrative in their actions. Medically, first-borns are more likely to be born premature and in turn have more birth disorders. They are also more prone to asthma, phobias, and paranoia te...
