In news that will come as no surprise to anyone with younger siblings, a new study has shown firstborns have higher IQs than their brothers or sisters, and it’s not because of genetics – it’s because of the parents.
According to researchers, firstborns benefit from having their parent’s undivided attention in those important early years.
The study also suggests that by the time their second or third child comes along, parent’s strict expectations about schooling and grades relax somewhat, which could result in their later-born children’s less focused study.
“Asked how they will respond if a child brought home bad grades, parents state that they would be less likely to punish their later-born children,” researchers wrote.
As well as being their parent’s sole focus, the study also suggests that firstborns could get an IQ boost by teaching their younger siblings what they already know.
And as well as demonstrating a heightened intelligence, eldest children also displayed an increased perception of their brain power – and probably aren’t afraid to tell anyone who will listen, says every younger child in the world.
Sorry, guys, it’s science. (Written like a true firstborn.)
