HOW SECOND BORN KIDS MAKE THEIR MARK

Being a second born myself, I know how to make a mark. Call it a mark, a scar, it’s something to be remembered by.

I’m sure it’s different with girls, and the mix of brothers and sisters, but my mix was all boys for the first fourteen years. The first, then fourteen months later the second, then four years later, the third.

We used to make fun of the birth order and who was the mailman and milkman at the time. It was funny, but probably not that funny.

Funny enough to leave a mark?

I remembered the mailman and milkman stuff when I asked my kids if they felt like they’d have a better life if they had more step-brothers and sisters, and half-brothers and sisters?

They pretended they didn’t know what I was talking about, but I didn’t believe them. After all, these are the same two who chose Michael Jordan when I asked them who they wished their dad was.

Guess what boys, I choose Steph Curry and Klay Thompson for sons.

That’s how to leave a mark.

Second Born Fast Learners

If you’re a second born, then you know this is true: We watched the older kid get punished and reminded ourselves to, “Don’t do that.”

Like so many generations passed, and so many rising, there are rules that need to be followed in order to maintain the peace. One of those in the olden days was passing the family treasures down to the eldest.

Their job becomes one of being a good steward, or finding a good steward, of the family name and treasure. Being a good steward has its own set of requirements.

It’s bad form to sell family heirlooms and squander the money. It’s equally bad form to lose track of the material when names change in marriages and divorces. I recently learned my mom was a Notary in both of her names.

In the right circumstances, the second born takes over some responsibilities of the first born. No one likes it, but it’s the most secure thing to do.

What are some of the sacrifices you’ve made for your family?