439: Birth Order and Sibling Squabbles

Are your kids’ personalities shaped by their birth order? In today’s episode, Karen and Emily explore how birth order influences personality. They share insights from their own families and tackle questions like, “How do I help my oldest think of others before herself?” and “How can I teach my daughter to let go of things without holding on to everything?” Plus, Emily talks about how she’s using the BOAW Moms app to keep up with studies and episodes!

Episode Recap:

2:00 Emily is loving using the BOAW Moms app to watch studies and look up podcast episodes

3:45 Karen and Emily share how their personalities were shaped by their birth order

7:13 Is it possible to avoid reinforcing birth order stereotypes as a parent?

10:25 How do I help my 5 year old let go of things? She wants to hold onto all the things!

15:24 How do I help my oldest daughter think of others before herself?

20:45 How do I help nurture my daughter’s kindness?

24:50 Send in your question on the app using the “Ask Karen” section

Scripture for Reflection:

Galatians 6:9 (NASB) “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. How do you think birth order has influenced your children’s personalities? Can you see any traits that match typical birth order stereotypes?
2. How do you encourage your child to let go of unnecessary items or habits without making them feel pressured?
3. What did you think of Karen’s story about taking Kelsey to the Dominican Republic and the change she saw in her heart afterwards? Is that something you have done or would consider doing with your children?
4. Karen mentioned several times that some issues we see in our kids are heart issues while others are merely maturity issues (things they will grow out of)- do you feel like you can tell the difference in your children?

Resources:

• Check out Karen’s new study: The Counter-Intuitive Parent on Right Now Media or from the BOAW Moms store
• Download the BOAW Moms app: [App Store] [Google Play]
• Kevin Leman’s Birth Order book: https://amzn.to/3AdPCzI