Dr Jan was asked by a journalist from NW to comment on the Brad and Angelina family situation. It’s about their child Shiloh. She’s the fourth of their six children.

Qu: In a family with so many siblings, does the middle child often have to compete for their parent’s attention?
Ans: Yes – Birth order really does play a significant role in a child’s development. The middle child often gets overlooked because the elder children demand attention and the baby ones are cute and manilpulative.

Qu: Do children ever copy their parents behaviour in order to gain their attention?
Ans: Yes – they instinctively know how to “model” their parents behaviour. It’s an intuitive belief that “If you are like them they will like you.”

Qu: Is it emotionally hard for children to have so many siblings?
(Ask me says Dr Jan- I am middle of 5 girls and my Mum gave me a teddy bear and piggy bank for my 21st cos she said I missed out!)
Ans: Yes especially for the middle one who always feels not so special – squashed in between the “stars” of the show -older and smareter vs younger and cuter.

Qu: Why do daughters become Daddy’s girls? Is it a cry for attention?
Ans: A child who sees mother as preoccupied might attach to Daddy. Little girls do this because it pays off – he usually gives her more attention whereas Mum is busy.

Qu: How important is it for Shiloh to have some one-on-one time with Brad, away from all her siblings?
Ans: Every child needs one-on-one time – boys and girls. As middle child, Shiloh needs extra personal time more often.