Quite a number of studies have shown that birth order plays an important part in development. While most people think that their eldest siblings behave like they are the kings and queens of the family, findings have actually shown that eldest children are probably the best.

Here are the 5 Scientific Reasons Proving That Eldest Children Maybe The Best

1. Older siblings might be smarter.

In a 2007 study of 250,000 Norwegian young adults, firstborn men had an average IQ 2.3 points higher than their younger brothers.

Researchers believe the difference is due to environment rather than genetics. Eldest children often “teach” their younger siblings, which can help them to better retain information.

Also, as a family grows, parents have less time to spend with each child. With each child added, the intellectual environment of everyone in the family dilutes.

2. They could be more responsible.

According to Jeffrey Kluger, author of The Sibling Effect: What the Bonds Among Brothers and Sisters Reveal About Us, eldest siblings tend to be the ones that focus the most on family loyalty and traditional achievement. As a result, they’re often seen as more obedient and responsible.

3. They might be more successful.

Data shows that eldest children perform better in school, and might be more successful in the professional world.

According psychologist and New York University adjunct professor Ben Dattner, firstborns are achievement-orient and eager to please their parents. Research also suggests they tend to dominate their younger siblings as an authority figure of sorts, making them acutely prepared to take on leadership roles in the professional world.

4. Eldest children follow the rules.

Belgian psychologists Vassilis Saroglou and Laure Fiasse wrote in a 2003 paper published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences that “Firstborns tend to be responsible, competitive and conventional, whereas laterborns have to ‘distinguish’ themselves and create a specific niche by being playful, cooperative, and especially, rebellious.”

5. They may be more conscientious.

In a 2015 study, firstborns were found to be slightly more conscientious, more agreeable and less neurotic than their younger siblings – characteristics that can help them in the long run.

A 2015 Australian study found that people who were more conscientious show higher academic performance. Conscientiousness have found to be a major key to success.