Elana

Hi, my name is Elana and I live in Teaneck NJ. I am sixteen years old and the middle child of five children. I have two older brothers and twin younger brother and sister. I was the only girl for five years in my family. Even though I don't remember how I felt when my sister was born, I am sure that I was very happy. I remember when my Mom was pregnant with twins; I wanted her to have two girls, and my brothers wanted my Mom to have two boys. I guess a boy and a girl is a good compromise. There are many advantages of being the middle child. I get a taste of what it is like to have younger and older siblings. I get to learn from the mistakes of my older siblings while also being able to help take care of my younger siblings. In addition, I don't have the pressure of always succeeding. I am also not spoiled and do not get whatever I want, as my younger brother does. Not getting whatever I want may seem like a bad thing, but I wouldn't like to be spoiled because eventually when I have to go to college and move on with my life, it would be harder to get used to living without my parents. Sometimes my parents consider me as one of their older children, meaning that I am trusted more by my parents. However, my parents also think of me as one of their younger children, meaning that I get more attention and help with homework. There are not that many disadvantages of being the middle child. It is not like I am always ignored by my parents, However, I am the odd one out for a couple of things. Even though I do get help with homework, I am always the last one to get help from my parents. My younger siblings always get help first because they go to sleep earlier. My older brothers get help before me because their homework or college applications, according to my parents, are more important than my homework. Being the odd one out also has its advantages. Every time my family is in a hotel, I always get a bed to myself. Also, I have never shared a room, unlike the rest of my siblings. Overall, I really don't mind being the middle child. Another fact about me is that I love to play the piano. I have been playing the piano for almost nine years. My piano teacher is very demanding, but my hard work is all worth it, because I love the feeling of accomplishment I get from playing beautiful music. Every year I play in a recital along with the rest of my teacher's students. I am also on my school's band. Playing the piano is one of my favorite hobbies. I also love being with young children. I worked in a day camp for two years, and I plan on working at the same day camp again this summer. I worked with three-year-olds at the camp. I think they are so cute and adorable. I also baby-sit on many Saturday nights for people in my shul. I get to make money while doing something I love.