For example, the oldest child is different from all the other children in that he or she has been the only child to have experienced what it might feel like to in fact be the only child. The oldest child has spent a good deal of time as the center of their parent's attention and many believe that these months or years of individualized attention speak volumes of the future role that the oldest child will assume as he or she grows older. The first born child may have difficulty accepting subsequent siblings, as this entails sharing the parental attention with another. It is the oldest child who "sets the pace" for his siblings when it comes to developmental milestones. It is the oldest who sets the standard that all other siblings will be measured against.

The oldest child is generally the first to rebel against parental authority and then the first to assume leadership roles. The oldest child is generally the one who likes to blaze her own trails, and introduce her siblings to what the next few years may have in store for them. Naturally, not all younger siblings appreciate the council that the oldest sibling is so free to distribute. Older siblings are often resented by their siblings for assuming a role to close to that of a parent and older siblings consequently blame their parents for forcing responsibility on them at an earlier age. Older siblings are often more bossy and critical, this being a leading cause of discontentment between the oldest child and his siblings.

The second child, and other middle children, generally take a back seat to the oldest child. While the oldest child is having important life experiences, the middle child often feels lost in the shuffle. Unfortunately in families where there are problems with abuse, it is generally the middle child who is singles out. Middle children need to feel like their part in the family unit is an essential one. Therefore, middle children are typically pleasers, meaning that they like to do what they think will bring them praise and recognition. In a family relationship, middle children who feel like they are not being valued as the older children, or even younger children are, will lash out when they are feeling attacked and will feel very defensive about asserting their place in the family and the importance of their role. In adulthood, middle children often serve as the mediators in the family. Second born children are especially aware of the feelings of other members of their family as they took more time in their youth observing others rather than being the center of attention.

Last born children or the babies of the family have their own unique relationship challenges. As the youngest child it can be difficult growing up as the youngest child is labled as the tag along. This can lead to rebellious behavior as the youngest child overcompensates in an attempt to make sure that he is not only seen as so-and-so's younger sibling. The many advantages of being the youngest child in a loving family include being spoiled more as older parents have a harder time letting the youngest grow up. Because of this younger children tend to be a bit needier and dependent on authority figures.