A new analysis of data on how Americans spend time shows that many more first-born children are getting quality time with each parent than subsequent children. These findings are important when the possible outcome of the diminished affection and attention on the latter born children is observed.
These results could possibly explain the trend that the oldest siblings tend to be higher achievers. They are also less likely to engage in risky behaviors. The data shows that spending more time with your first-born child is a major factor in how the child learns and lives in later life, as well as, the development of future behavior patterns.
In most of the two-child families that participated in the survey, the second children on average spent about 20 minutes less with their fathers and about 30 minutes less with their mothers per day that thier first-born siblings. The first-born children in these families were averaging nearly 40% more quality time with their fathers and nearly 30% more quality time with their mothers. The pattern also continues into three and four child households.
This quality time gap can result in varying behavior. recent studies have shown that there is a significant effect of birth order on the outcome of each child. First-borns, for example, tend to score higher on IQ tests, receive more education, and also have a lower percentage of teen pregnancy and delinquency, compared to their younger siblings.
Interestingly enough, the study also revealed that the children who were born second and beyond tended have more money available to them than their older brothers and sisters. Researchers believe this has to do with being more financially stable later in life. The link between financial status and time spent with children may lead to further research.
What does all of this mean? For parents, it means that they should make a concious effort to spend a little extra quality time with their younger children. If it seems that there’s not enough time in the day, try switching off the television and use that time to spend with children. Another example of some extra time is the time the family spends in the car on a daily average. These times are perfect to put in that extra effort with younger children.
