Firstborns Thrive From More Quality Time

February 21, 2008

While many parents joke that you take a million pictures of your first child and are lucky if you manage to pick up the camera once baby number two debuts; is there something to the notion that the first child gets the most mom and dad time?

A recent study suggests that firstborn children spend 3,000 more hours of quality time with their parents, than subsequent siblings. A WebMD article about the findings said:

The study found that in two-child households, the elder children typically got between 20 and 30 minutes more quality time with each parent each day between the ages of 4 and 13.

To read what all the quality time can provide, read more.
As a result, statistics say that firstborn children ten to have tend to have higher IQs, do better in school and make more money as adults.

Do you find this to be true?

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6 Comments

ohjeeze 5 years 13 weeks

Why is it that parents don't take as many pics of their subsequent children? My parents only have 2 pics of me as a baby/toddler, a pic of when I was first born and my passport picture. My older sister on the other hand has hundreds of pics and a baby book. Why is that, do they just not have enough time? Well parents should make time, at least let the kid know they existed before age 3.

juliegal 5 years 13 weeks

i suppose i can find the info. somewhat true...but even if the parent (s) spend more time w/ the 1st born...think about the relationship b/w the siblings....my sister was such a good big sis, she helped to teach me to read and write before i even started school....and i see my nephews with each other and the older guy teaches and helps his lil bro so much....so even if the parents spend more time and attention on the first one the relationship and friendship and care from a sibling i think also helps to define and form the 2nd kid in a different positive way as well....

macneil 5 years 13 weeks

I was a second child and never noticed - I just remember a really happy family where everyone was together all the time. As a second child, you're automatically used to sharing your parents, and it must be hard for first children suddenly having to accept that they're not the only baby their mum and dad love and spend time with. So I don't worry about the second children at all. Well, as usual, of course, I worry about my potential second child, because I'm ttc now and keep thinking 'What if I don't read as much to her/him? What if I'm bored with the eating mush stage and just let him/her eat chocolate!?'

JennyJen 5 years 13 weeks

Wow that is interesting. Now I do see that it is true with a few families that I can think of, but not with everyone. I wonder if they factor in the hours and quality time that the older child spends with the younger sibling, because that is something that the older sibling misses out on. I have often noticed that younger children tend to pick up things faster - speaking/potty training/walking sooner then the older children and I always thought that was directly related to watching the older sibling and wanting to mimic them.

JennyJen 5 years 13 weeks

kiwitwist 5 years 13 weeks

Yes do I ever, from personal experience not from me having kids. (I don't have any)

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