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Published 09:26 6 Jun 2019 BST
Updated 13:43 6 Jun 2019 BST
McHale and Jensen "anticipated that youth who perceived themselves as favoured would develop better relationships with their mothers and fathers" and they "expected that these patterns would be stronger for secondborns," according to the study. "In all four models when secondborns perceived themselves as favoured in terms of receiving less discipline, both mothers and fathers reported more positive relationships," it stated.The research points to a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy whereby younger children who believe they're the favourite get on better with their parents and are more likely to actually become the favourite. Thanks to science, we know that birth order can affect more than just a child's relationship with their parents. Being the eldest, youngest or middle child can also impact on things like your love life, weight and even your driving skills.
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