Is there a difference in intelligence among siblings? It turns out that birth order might play a surprising role in how smart brothers and sisters become. Parents often strive to treat their kids equally, but science reveals that not all children develop their intelligence in the same way. Could the order in which a child is born really influence their brainpower and school success?
How birth order impacts intelligence
Several studies have explored whether the firstborn child tends to be smarter than the younger siblings. One of the most notable ones comes from a team at Leipzig University, which analyzed data from 20,000 people across Germany, the United States, and Great Britain. Their findings showed that for every new baby born into a family, the average intelligence quotient (IQ) drops by about 1.5 points. So, if a family has four children, the youngest might have an IQ nearly 4.5 points lower than the eldest.
This difference isn’t about genetics but rather the family environment. Firstborns receive unfettered attention and learning opportunities during their earliest years when they don’t have to compete for their parents’ focus. It’s these stimulating experiences that can boost cognitive development early on.
But intelligence itself isn’t one-size-fits-all. Back in the 1980s, psychologist Howard Gardner changed how we think about intelligence by introducing his theory of multiple intelligences. According to Gardner, there are at least eight types of intelligence—ranging from linguistic and logical-mathematical to musical, bodily-kinesthetic, and interpersonal—that develop differently in each person. This means that even if one sibling scores a bit higher in one area, another might excel in a completely different way.
Why being the oldest can sharpen your mind
Another reason for the firstborn advantage is their role as the family’s tutor. Older siblings often explain homework, help with childhood problems, and teach younger brothers and sisters new skills. This teaching role acts like a workout for the brain, encouraging the development of problem-solving abilities and verbal skills.
However, experts caution that while these IQ differences between siblings might be statistically significant, they don’t necessarily predict real-life outcomes. Everyone’s intelligence and success are shaped by learning, experiences, and the environment they grow up in. So, while being firstborn might provide a small edge, it doesn’t lock a child into a certain destiny.
Does birth order influence education and success?
Education researchers at the University of Essex found that firstborn children have about a 16% greater chance of attending college compared to their younger siblings. Yet, motivation, encouragement, and the opportunities available to each child are also crucial factors that affect educational achievement.
It makes sense if you think about it: the eldest child usually faces higher expectations from parents and teachers, which can push a child to study harder or aim higher. On the other hand, younger siblings often benefit from learning how to navigate a more complex family dynamic, which fosters different kinds of social intelligence.
From my own experience growing up as the middle child, I can attest to this mix of advantages and challenges within sibling order. I often found myself learning from my older sibling’s example, but I also developed unique strengths—like negotiation and creativity—that came from carving out my own space. Each birth position offers different chances to grow in intelligence and character.
So, if you’re wondering whether being first or last born will determine how smart your child becomes, remember it’s more about the environment and encouragement they receive. Creating a nurturing space where every child feels supported and challenged matters far more than birth order alone.
How about you? Do you think birth order has influenced your skills or personality? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Let’s spark a conversation about the fascinating ways family dynamics shape who we become!
Dear sir madam I am the baby of 15 brother and sister both my parents came from Augusta Sicily neither one of them had any formal education maybe the fourth grade as you may know in getting an education and Sicily in the early 1900s very difficult however they both had tons of wisdom and family values and common Sense two of my brothers what to have it on scholarship another one went to Boston University
My oldest sister was also very smart my uncle’s all day tomato company as a teenager she did there bookkeeping she definitely could have went to college but as you know girls were not encouraged to go to college in the 50s my other sisters will also very smart they probably could have went to college but as I said girls would not encouraged to go to college in the 50s
I differing with you. I have three children. My youngest child a son is by far the most intelligent. Firstly a son a girl then a son. Altho all three are extremely successful.