How so very important it is, whether one is the first child born, or the last. So much rests upon this. The oldest child is more exposed, and becomes independent and hard, whereas the youngest is more sheltered, and correspondingly softer.
I have heard it said that the youngest child matures sooner than his elder brothers and sisters. It is more accurate to say that he grows-up sooner - at the expense of maturity. This is because the company of elder siblings is stimulating, and the younger child can rapidly learn the many tricks and deceptions of life. However, he never faces the hard knocks of those who go before him, and doesn't become seasoned.
The oldest child is like a wise old weather-beaten man who shows his years; while the youngest is a bright socialite of the city.