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Is a firstborn child more likely
to score higher on intelligence tests than a later-born sibling?
Does a later-born child typically have superior social skills to
those of a firstborn? Do "only" children have more advantages than
disadvantages over other children? "Yes" to all.
Firstborn children seem to benefit from all the extra attention they
get from their rookie parents. Their parents also have higher
expectations of them compared with their later-born siblings.
Firstborns are more likely to attend college, and they are
overrepresented in professional and graduate schools. Fifty-two
percent of U.S. presidents are firstborns.
Later-born children typically encounter parents who have more
realistic expectations of them and are more relaxed and confident in
their parenting roles. These younger siblings often are popular with
their peers, having learned important social skills by interacting
with one or more older siblings.
Research does not confirm the stereotypical "spoiled brat" image of
an only child. Studies have uncovered just a few differences between
only children and other children. In particular, only children tend
to score higher in achievement, motivation and self-esteem.
Parents and grandparents, please e-mail (tom@kidtips.com) one of
your favorite parenting ideas for this column.
ATTENTION FOR BIG BROTHER OR SISTER
When arriving home from the hospital with a new baby, let the daddy
or another relative carry in the new arrival as Mom fusses over the
older child. -- C.C.B., Springfield, Mass.
BE THE PARENT, NOT THE BUDDY
Let your teens know what you expect of them. Be the parent; don't be
a buddy. Provide boundaries for them to bounce against. Let them
know that you are not afraid to take control of them if they get out
of control. Teens want to test the world, but their security and
safety should be paramount to their parents. -- Anonymous, Toronto
STROLLERS AT AMUSEMENT PARKS
Most large amusement parks, like Disneyland, rent special strollers
that toddlers love. But they all look alike, so bring a large red
ribbon that will differentiate your stroller from all the others.
You'll be glad you did. -- D. Thomas, Dallas
MEMORY GAME FOR BEGINNING READERS
As a reading specialist, I always try to make reading fun,
especially for beginning readers. One reading activity that most
children love to play is called the "Memory Game." First, I keep
track of all the words the child doesn't know or mispronounces while
reading a particular book. Then I write each of those words on two
3-by-5-inch index cards. I mix up all the cards and place them face
down on a table. The object is to find the matching cards by turning
over two cards at a time. Each time a card is turned over, the child
and I say the word. By the time the game is over, we have said each
word at least twice, and sometimes five or six times. By repeating
the words over and over while looking at the cards, the child will
begin to recognize the words in books. It's fun, and it sure
improves a child's reading ability. -- Laurel Cress, San Mateo,
Calif.
SAFETY IN CROWDS
When you take young children to places that are crowded with people
(amusement parks, parades, malls, etc.), put their name and your
phone number on a piece of paper and put it in their pocket. Tell
your children to show the paper to a police officer or a store
employee if they get separated from you. For younger children, pin
the paper on the outside of their clothing, but fold the paper so
that no one can see the writing without unpinning it. -- Donna Lord,
Canton, Miss.
(c) 2010 by Tom McMahon
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