In families with at least three children, being the middle child can sometimes be a challenging experience. Positioned between the eldest and the youngest, the middle child may feel overlooked by their parents. This can lead to a sense of needing to fight for their place in the family and to gain their parents' attention. But why do some children find this position difficult? Being both an older and younger sibling can be complex, and the level of parental support plays a significant role in how a child navigates this role. "The position within the family is not trivial, whether one is the eldest, the middle child, or the youngest. This position contributes to the construction of their identity. Some middle children may feel that they do not exist in the eyes of their parents compared to their brothers and sisters, although it is generally not a lack of love, but rather a lack of attention," explains Julie Scouppe, a psychologist. Some middle children may seek to differentiate themselves from their siblings or try to resemble them. A child's choices can be influenced by their position in the family. They may decide to stand out from their brothers and sisters or, on the contrary, follow their footsteps. To illustrate this, the psychologist gives the example of extracurricular activities. "Brothers and sisters are sometimes reference points for making decisions, but this does not mean that the child will necessarily make the same choices. They can also seek to differentiate themselves, especially when they feel they are being compared to them. Choosing an activity can become a way to assert their personality and find their own place within the family," she adds. Conversely, some middle children may follow the same path as their eldest sibling, noticing that the eldest has enjoyed the activity or that it allowed them to flourish. This decision can be motivated by the desire to share an experience with their sibling, as well as the feeling that this activity aligns with their tastes. How can parents support the middle child? Between school, work, and daily tasks, parents sometimes struggle to spend quality time with their children, especially one-on-one. However, these moments are crucial for the younger children's sense of emotional security. It is essential to have individual time, even if it is just a few minutes, with each child, especially if one of them expresses that they feel forgotten within the family. "It is important to show them that they are not less loved than their brothers and sisters, that they have their place just as much as the others and that you want to spend time with them," notes Julie Scouppe. These simple moments can reassure the younger children. The trip to sports is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with a child. This time allows the child to talk about their day or confide in their parent without the presence of their brothers and sisters. In daily life, one can also invite them to accompany us on a shopping trip, go for a bike ride, or cook together. These small gestures can make a big difference in helping the middle child feel valued and supported within the family.