If you’re a second-born kid and you constantly found yourself getting detention, there may be a reason for that: a new study shows that second kids are more likely to misbehave.
The report notes that second-born children are more likely to be rebellious than their siblings. In fact, they’re 25 to 40 percent more likely to get in serious trouble at school, or even have run-ins with the law. Whoa! Apparently, birth order really does matter.
So why is the second in line usually the problem child? NPR notes that it may be because parenting styles shift for the second kid in the family.
Also, second-born children have their older siblings to act as negative influences. Don’t worry, though, if you’re a successful second-born, you can just use this as part of your inspiring backstory story about overcoming obstacles to get to where you are today.
Lauren Levine is a freelance writer who has contributed to publications and websites including The Charlotte Observer, U.S. News & World Report, American Way magazine, The Huffington Post, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Thrillist, Thought Catalog, and others.
