1A major study of firstborn children reveals that they tend to be super-achievers who strive very hard to make their families proud. 2 lt was discovered that of the country's first twenty-three astronauts, an amazing twenty-one were firstborn in theirfamilies.3Also, slightlymorethanhalf— 52percent— ofourpresidentswere firstbornchildren. 4 Lesspositiveisthefactthatfirstbornsareunderalotofpressure to succeed, because their families often pin their hopes and dreams on them. 5Also, as the eldest, they are expected to "set an example" for their younger brothersandsisters. 6 Furthermore, these firstborns sometimes have trouble with personal relationshipsbecause theylearnedtobeveryindependentandtoenjoydoingthings ontheirown—sincetheyweretheonlychildrenintheirfamiliesuntiltheiryounger brothersandsisterswereborn.7Theconclusionofthestudyisthatbeingafirstborn child is a mixed blessing, having positive as well as some negativeaspects.