National Middle Child Day
Stuck in the middle? More like running the show. Today, we celebrate the kids who have no official sibling role. The peacemakers, the power players, and the underestimated MVPs of the family. The child who is often labeled as rebellious. The self-proclaimed favorite child. August 12 celebrates National Middle Child Day.
Many people believe that birth order strongly shapes a child’s personality. For instance, the firstborn is often seen as the natural leader and rule-follower, while the youngest is labeled the “baby” of the family. That leaves the middle child’s place less defined and often caught somewhere in between.
Birth order may also influence the development of the Big Five personality traits: extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.
Research suggests that middle children also often display strong artistic and creative skills.
How To Make Your Middle Child Feel Special Today
- Give Them the Spotlight
- Let the day revolve around their choices — from what’s for breakfast to which movie to watch. No sibling vetoes allowed.
- Celebrate Their Achievements
- Acknowledge accomplishments that may have been overlooked in the past and give them genuine praise.
- Make It “First Day”
- Let them do something first for once — whether that’s picking dessert, riding shotgun, or opening gifts.
- Create a “Middle Child Hall of Fame.”
- Gather family photos, stories, and inside jokes about them and put together a slideshow, scrapbook, or social media post.
- Give a Thoughtful Gift
- It doesn’t have to be expensive — even a handwritten letter or a framed picture can make a big impact.
- Plan a One-on-One Outing
- Take them somewhere fun without other siblings tagging along, so they get your undivided attention.
- Acknowledge Their Superpowers
- Remind them of the unique strengths they bring to the family — being a peacemaker, problem-solver, and creative thinker.
- Middle Child Movie Night
- Pick films featuring iconic middle child characters or underdog heroes who shine in the end.
- Write a “You Matter” Jar
- Fill a jar with short notes about why they’re awesome, things you appreciate about them, or memories you cherish together.
- Surprise Them with a Shout-Out
- Post about them on social media or give a public toast at dinner to make sure everyone knows it’s their day.
- Create a Custom Middle Child T-Shirt or Mug
- Something funny like “Middle But Mighty” or “Not Forgotten, Just Legendary.”
National Middle Child Day is about more than just balancing the family photo. It’s about recognizing the unique role middle children play in keeping families connected, on their toes, and often laughing. Whether it’s through a grand gesture or a small moment of appreciation, showing them they’re valued can mean the world. Because while the oldest may lead and the youngest may charm, the middle child holds the family together in ways no one else can, without others even realizing it.
