We unpack the family roles we never asked for and why Gen X kids grew up in what was essentially a live-in social experiment, exploring how birth order impacts everything from our place in the family to our adult relationships.

• Birth order significantly impacts family dynamics, with oldest children "paving the way" and younger siblings often enjoying more relaxed rules
• Age gaps between siblings create entirely different childhood experiences—larger gaps can make siblings feel like they grew up in different families
• Family connections often strengthen in middle age as we realize time with parents is limited
• The golden child versus scapegoat dynamic can persist into adulthood, causing lasting pain even in our 40s
• Parenting styles have evolved from physical punishment to privilege removal and positive reinforcement
• 90s cultural touchpoints like Boyz II Men, Achy Breaky Heart, and Super Nintendo created rare moments of connection between siblings

Whether you're the rule follower or the rebel, we're here to say you're absolutely right to be mad about that thing from 1993. Keep watching, because there's plenty more dysfunction where that came from!

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