Share

Middle-seat kids: Why are they special?

accreditation
<b>CHEER UP, LIFE GETS BETTER:</b> Research shows that, being a middle-seat child can lead to success later in life, especially in the business world. <i>Image: Newspress</i>
<b>CHEER UP, LIFE GETS BETTER:</b> Research shows that, being a middle-seat child can lead to success later in life, especially in the business world. <i>Image: Newspress</i>

LONDON, England - Siblings hemming you in, no window access, limited legroom... sitting in a car's middle back-seat has long been considered a bum deal.

New research conducted for Skoda's Octavia car, however, shows that being a middle-seat child could set you up for success, particularly in business.

IN THE DIRECTOR'S SEAT

A study of more than 1000 British respondents with two or more children has shown that 90% of people in director-level positions sat in the middle, as did 72% of business-owners and 62% of senior managers.

These developments may well be to do with the personality traits that middle-seat kids develop: 44% of them described themselves as easy-going, reasonable (28%), patient (25%), level-headed (21%) and adaptable (21%).

About 80% of grown-up middle-seat kids attribute their work/life success to their childhood car position.

Consultant child psychologist and mother of three Laverne Antrobus explalined: “Skoda's research is really interesting; a car is a unique environment and a lot can be revealed when everybody is sitting together in a confined space.

CAN A CAR AFFECT PERSONALITY?

"It’s fascinating to see how the seating position in the back of a car, often over many years, can directly reflect or influence our personalities. Whether middle-seat children were made to sit there or not they seem to develop positive traits which prove to be of real value as adults and, interestingly, often in their career.”

Although avoiding the least-popular perch was a source of argument for 43% of families, 66% of middle-seat children actually enjoyed their lot. Moreover, one in 10 respondents has remained a middelmannetjie to this day.

Where did YOU sit in a full family car? And how did YOU turn out? E-mailyour story to Wheels24 and we'll tell the world.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE