In this podcast episode, Angie and Andie discuss tips and tricks for parenting firstborn children, drawing insights from professionals in the field. Though we recognize that Andie did get an A in calculus, they wanted to give another professional opinion a chance :)  Angie and Andie discuss: 1. Characteristics of Firstborns:     - Firstborn children are often natural leaders and driven.     - They may have a strong desire for things to go their way.     - Many firstborns exhibit perfectionist tendencies.     - They tend to be reliable, great caregivers, and nurturing individuals.     - Other characteristics include being ambitious, scholarly, enterprising, logical, and energetic. 2. Handling the Need for Perfection:     - Recognize that firstborns often have a deep-seated need to be perfect.     - Teach children that making mistakes is acceptable and won't affect their worth or love.     - Be willing to admit your own mistakes to set an example.     - Occasionally make a mistake on purpose and show how to rectify it, emphasizing that it's okay. 3. Avoid Overcorrecting:     - Avoid overcorrecting or nitpicking your firstborn child.     - Don't overly criticize them; instead, focus on constructive feedback.     - Understand that their perfectionism may make it harder for them to admit when they're wrong. 4. Encourage Independence:     - Allow your firstborn child to learn new tasks or problem-solving on their own.     - This helps them feel comfortable with imperfection and builds confidence. 5. Set Clear Expectations:     - Firstborns often respond well when they know the rules and expectations.     - Clearly communicate your expectations to them.     - Use phrases like "Tell me how I can please you" to involve them in defining rules and behaviors. 6. Special Privileges:     - Consider giving firstborns slightly later bedtimes or special privileges.     - This can help them feel acknowledged for their age and responsibilities. 7. Avoid Making Them Built-in Babysitters:     - Be cautious not to rely on your firstborn as a constant babysitter for younger siblings or other children.     - Respect their boundaries and understand that they have their own schedules and responsibilities. Andie and Angie  share (maybe overshare) personal experiences and anecdotes throughout the podcast, offering valuable insights into parenting firstborn children. They emphasize the importance of balancing expectations and responsibilities to ensure the well-being and development of firstborns while acknowledging their unique traits.

Oldest Children: The Reliable Leaders of the Family - Part 2