Parenting tips

By TOM McMAHON
King Features Syndicate

last updated: September 08, 2008 06:04:09 PM

Is a firstborn more likely to score higher on intelligence tests than a later-born sibling? Does a later-born child typically have superior social skills to those of a firstborn? Do only children have more advantages than disadvantages over other children? "Yes" to all.

PARENTING TIPS

Firstborn children seem to benefit from all the extra attention they get from their rookie parents. Their parents also have higher expectations of them compared with their later-born siblings. Firstborns are more likely to attend college, and they are overrepresented among Nobel Prize winners and professional schools. Fifty-two percent of U.S. presidents and 21 percent of the first 23 American astronauts were firstborns.

Later-born children typically encounter parents who have more realistic expectations of them and are more relaxed and confident in their parenting roles. These younger siblings often are popular with their peers, having learned important social skills by interacting with one or more older siblings.

Research does not confirm the stereotypical "spoiled brat" image of an only child. Studies have uncovered just a few differences between only children and other children. In particular, only children tend to score higher in cognitive development and academic achievement.

Every reader of this column has a tip or two to share with us. Please send them in.

NEWBORN BRINGS GIFTS TO SIBLINGS -- When you bring a newborn home from the hospital or birthing center, give each older sibling a wrapped present from the new baby. The gift will help to lessen sibling rivalry. Make sure that each gift is something that will keep the child busy (LEGO bricks, tricycle, Lincoln logs, puzzles, computer games, etc.). -- Jacke Dollar, W. Des Moines, Iowa

HOUSE RULE FOR CELL PHONES -- We made a house rule that all phones must be plugged in, at a central charging location, at 9 p.m. on school nights. We started this rule when my daughter was in junior high. Now a high-school junior, she still complains, but it is amazing how much easier she gets up in the morning! -- Carrie M., Martinez

FROZEN SPONGE FOR BOO-BOOS -- Instead of using ice cubes to soothe bumps and bruises, wet a small sponge and store it in a small freezer bag. Place the bag in the freezer for quick (and dripless) first-aid for bruises. -- Sandie F., Lihue, Hawaii

CARE PACKAGE FOR COLLEGE -- When sending care packages to your college students, ask for the U.S. Postal Service flat-rate box (about the size of a shoe box) with priority two-to-three-day delivery anywhere in the U.S. for just $9.80. Banana bread that my daughter requested from me one evening (via text) was baked and on her doorstep two days later. -- Julie Renalds, Oakland

College professor Tom McMahon is the author of books "Kid Tips" and "Teen Tips." Visit his Web site at www.kidtips.com and e-mail your parenting tips to tom@kidtips.com.

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