The Session: The Middle Child

Mark 10:13–16

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

5 characteristics of a middle child:

· They're peacemakers and pleasers.

· They're competitive.

· They try to fit in.

· They are independent and focus on friendships.

· They act out to get attention

Characteristics of a Middle Child

· Not as family-oriented as their siblings. They may have a stronger sense of not belonging than their siblings do. ...

· Feeling overshadowed. They come to believe that their parents don't care about them. ...

· Mobile. They're often the first sibling to move out of the house. ...

· Not perfectionists. ***DOES THIS MEAN THEY ARE SLOBS?***

Middle Child Personality Traits

The middle child is often a people-pleaser due to the lack of attention they get compared to older siblings and younger siblings.

You may be a people pleaser if:

*You want to avoid conflict. ...

· You fear rejection. ...

· You fear disappointing others. ...

· You want something in return. ...

· You want others to be nice to you. ...

· You want to fit in. ...

· You are easily influenced by others. ...

· You are genuinely compassionate.

What is the psychology behind the middle child?

Since they are given some level of independence, they can end up developing initiative and creativity. Researchers found that middle children also become more sociable and outgoing since they learn to assert themselves and speak their mind. They also have a chance of being as well-adjusted as their siblings.

Middle children are more independent as they gain confidence. Middle children typically have more freedom and less pressure growing up. Sometimes they can even get away with more things as a kid.

What Is Middle-Child Syndrome?

Many experts who study personality believe that your family’s birth order plays a role in your development. They see "middle-child syndrome" as the idea that if you're neither the oldest child nor the youngest, you get less attention from your parents and feel “caught in the middle”.‌

As a result, you may take on certain personality traits that are different from those of your older and younger siblings.

***THIS MAKES SENSE. YOU WANT TO FIND A WAY TO BE NOTICED***

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: The Five Cylinder Intimacy Engine of Marriage & Goal Setting in Marriage

Genesis 2:24: “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

The Five Cylinder Intimacy Engine explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

5. Recreational

· Hobbies

· Sports

4. Mental

· Planning, Discussing politics

3. Emotional

· Experiencing Their Emotions

2. Physical

· Bedroom Olympics

1. Spiritual

Smart Goals (Being Proactive and Intentional)

1. Specific

2. Measurable

3. Action

4. Revise

5. Time

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session-Loneliness

Psalm 68:5-6 ~ “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.”

God is always present and provides comfort; Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit," emphasizing God's closeness to those who are hurting; and Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," offering solace and a place of refuge in Jesus.

Key themes from these verses include:

• God's constant presence: Regardless of your circumstances, God is always with you and will never leave you alone.
• God's love and care: He deeply cares about your pain and desires to comfort you.
• Finding strength in God: Even when feeling lonely, you can find strength and hope in your relationship with God.

Other verses to encourage you:

• Hebrews 13:5: "He promised never to leave us"
• Psalm 121:4: "He neither slumbers nor sleeps"

Other ways to combat loneliness:

• Connect with other Christians
• Believe that God can use your loneliness to bring you closer to him.

Overcoming The Pain Of Loneliness, from Tracy Miles

Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.” Psalm 25:16 (NLT)

If you’re feeling lonely, plan a time to get away and recover.

(Scott question: By yourself? Which seems counterproductive to being lonely… or with family or a group?)

This can be Christian camp or retreat center or a plan or program that a church puts together to help a person when they have depleted their resources.

A new environment gives a person a chance to focus more on their walk with Jesus.

Key mental health problems associated with loneliness:

• Depression:Loneliness is a major risk factor for developing or exacerbating depressive symptoms.
• Anxiety:Studies show a strong association between loneliness and increased anxiety levels.
• Suicidal ideation:Individuals experiencing significant loneliness may be more likely to consider or attempt suicide.
• Low self-esteem:A lack of social connection can negatively impact self-worth and confidence.
• Stress and poor coping mechanisms:Loneliness can lead to difficulties managing stress and unhealthy coping behaviors.

Key physical health problems associated with loneliness:

• Cardiovascular disease:Research indicates a link between loneliness and higher risk of heart disease and stroke due to potential impacts on blood pressure and inflammation.
• Impaired immune function:Studies suggest social isolation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illness.
• Cognitive decline:Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment, particularly in older adults.
• Poor sleep quality:Difficulty sleeping and disrupted sleep patterns are often reported by lonely individuals.
• Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors:Loneliness can contribute to poor dietary choices, lack of physical activity, and increased subs

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.