What is a common pressure faced by firstborn children?

Firstborn children often experience the pressure to please others and meet higher expectations as a result of several factors associated with their position in the family. Being the firstborn typically places them in a role where they are seen as the trailblazer for younger siblings. Parents often project their hopes and aspirations onto their first child, sometimes unconsciously, leading to higher expectations regarding behavior, academic performance, and achievement. This can create significant pressure as firstborns may feel compelled to live up to these standards to gain parental approval and avoid disappointment.

Additionally, firstborns are often given more responsibilities at an earlier age, which can further reinforce the sense that they need to excel and set a good example for their siblings. This combination of responsibility and expectation significantly shapes their experiences as they grow, leading them to prioritize the desires and expectations of others over their own needs at times.