Some first born children are perfectionists. They thrive on detail and doing a good job in everything. Dr Leman expresses that it s important not to take yourself too seriously as a first born child. Being a perfectionist can lead to a stress related breakdown and other serious mental disorders, and they need to know that failure is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it can set you on the path to something new, and there isn t a person who s ever lived that hasn t failed at some stage.
Nobody is perfect.
The advice Dr Leman would give to first born children, especially those with perfectionist tendencies, is to expect less of yourself. He would also advise biting off smaller chunks of life, taking on less work and projects, and learning how to say no. John Groom, a Clinical Psychologist says most of his case load are first born adults. They often come for counselling and are the most likely to suffer burn out and stress related disorders. He is a first born child himself and emphasises on the positive side, what a great spot it is to be in the family.