It often seems that one sibling has a knack for getting into more trouble than the rest. This sibling may frequently land in detention, be sent home for antics at the public pool, or even face legal issues as teenagers or adults. Researchers are now suggesting that birth order could significantly influence why certain kids experience higher levels of delinquency.
In a newly revised paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research, experts have discovered that second-born children are notably more prone to trouble than their older or younger siblings, regardless of family size. Dr. Michael Thompson, an economist, analyzed data from thousands of children in Denmark and Florida to explore the potential impact of birth order on school misbehavior, juvenile delinquency, and adult crime. The study focused on families with two or more children, specifically examining those with two boys, since teenage boys tend to get into trouble more than girls.
The findings indicated that second-born boys were more likely to encounter disciplinary actions at school or within the justice system compared to their first-born counterparts. Dr. Thompson pointed out that this trend was more pronounced among pairs of brothers than when involved with a sister. Interestingly, despite differences in socio-demographics and legal systems between Denmark and Florida, the effects of being the second-born were strikingly similar in both locations.
So what might account for the differences in behavior between first-born and second-born boys? The study suggests that varying levels of parental attention could play a crucial role in the discrepancies observed in delinquency rates. This brings to mind the common perception that first-born children receive the lion’s share of their parents’ focus, leaving the second-born to fend for themselves.
Moreover, Dr. Thompson elaborated in an NPR interview that “the firstborn has adult role models, while the second-born has slightly irrational 2-year-olds as their role models, namely their older siblings.” Certainly, modeling behavior after a toddler might not yield the best results. Imagine a grocery store scenario where one starts throwing a fit over the lack of purple fruit snacks—one might end up having a conversation with law enforcement.
Parents of two boys might feel skeptical about these findings, as they often base their observations on personal experiences. As noted by Sarah Williams from NPR, “This research provides a broad overview but does not capture the dynamics of every individual family.” It’s essential to recognize that this is just one study that should be interpreted with care.
For further insights on family dynamics and other parenting topics, check out our article on home insemination and related resources.
In summary, a study suggests that second-born boys are more likely to misbehave than their siblings, potentially due to factors like lesser parental attention and different role models. While these findings provide an interesting perspective, they should be viewed with the understanding that every family is unique.