Middle Child

You are my middle child and that makes you so special.

It is a precarious place in the family that you reside. At any moment you have to pivot between being the older and the younger sibling.

I know this can be a frustrating and annoying role. I was a middle child myself. Just like you, I was sandwiched in between, but I promise it will get easier in the years to come.

It will even become a badge of honor. As you tell people you were the middle child, they will give you a look that is equal parts sympathetic and impressed. They will respect you.

Being in the middle really isn’t so bad.

I knew you were different from the moment you were born, long before you had the role of “the middle child.” You always had curiosity, determination, and zest for life.

If I could describe you in a few words it would be relentless and effervescent. This makes you stand out, so I’m always proud of how special you are.

Having to be sometimes little and sometimes big has also allowed you to develop impressive negotiating skills.

You’ve learned how to both cause trouble AND get out of trouble in one fell swoop.

It’s hard for me not to laugh and feel a little proud as you come to me, spinning one of your stories or pleading your case, knowing that in the not too distant future, the student will become the teacher.