Me as the Youngest Child

What it means to be the Runt of the Litter

Key Concepts

IdentityAre the set of characteristics

that somebody recognizes as belonging uniquely too himself or herself. This concept is relevant as it shows how me being the youngest in the family affects my identity.

PowerIs the ability, and strength to

do something. In some areas power can also be used to control and influence others. This is a relevant concept to my presentation as it shows how I lack the power to influence those who are older than me seen as me being the youngest child in the family.

What it means to be the Runt of the Litter?

• Last born children are often considered as the baby of the family.

• At times it is difficult for the last born to find his/her place in the family because their elders have already carved their own niche into the family.

• Therefore it is contrary to the last born to try and carve their own niche into the family by following in the footprints of their elders and adopting useful traits.

Traits

• Traits are a set of individual characteristics or qualities that someone has in order to distinguish themselves from others.

Traits Strengths and Weaknesses

• Outgoing• Sociable• Affectionate• Caring• Creative• Empathetic• Confident

• Spoiled• Manipulative• Immature• Self-Centered

Me as the Youngest ChildTo me being the youngest child has its ups and

downs. I like the fact that being the youngest child they get the centre of attention. On the other hand I lack the power to influence others and end up being manipulated by my older brothers and sisters.

I have also come to notice this when the festive Eid comes, when youngsters are presented with gifts. However I have also come to notice that as the years pass and I get older I am expected to give back to those younger than me, i.e. nephews and nieces.

Growing Up

Being the youngest child therefore has its traits for the time being. When I get older I have to adopt a sense of maturity in order to fulfill the duties I have to without being told by others. As I get older I need to learn how to make a living for myself even though I am still living with family. I would also be expected to pay things my own way such as driving lessons, clothes and etc.

Definitions of Groups

• Douglas (1979) says groups are ‘the largest set of two or more individuals who are jointly characterised by a network of relevant communications’.

• Hartley (1997) identified three types of groups:– Family Groups– Friendship Groups– Work Groups

Ascribed or Achieved

Me being the youngest is ascribed rather than achieved because I have no choice being the youngest because I am already the youngest. In terms of achieved I have to achieve respect from my elders and that is done through the things I do and how I do it.

Alfred Adler

Alfred Adler believed that we all have the desire to fulfill our potentials, to come closer and closer to our ideal. He called this ‘Striving for Perfection.’ It is the desire we all have to fulfill our potentials.

Interview

Here is an interview of one individual where they intended to give their views on what’s it like being the youngest.

Click Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O48vjYUdL2M

Conclusion

In conclusion being the youngest in the family has its ups and downs for the time being but as I get older I can see myself losing the traits that I had adopted and beginning to learn new ones. From the video I learned about the fact that having older siblings has some advantages other than the fact of being manipulated by them, for example they can help you in your life choices such as finding jobs.