Jason Bourne Was A Middle Child

You know the 'middle child' syndrome? The emotional scarring that comes to the kid that is smack in the middle of the family? He always gets hand-me-downs, never gets babied and in general feels overlooked? While not a fatal condition it can become troublesome if not monitored. My strategy has been this; help the middle child see that whatever he gets is super special.

Example: I presented my middle child with the carry-on that he would be using for our 5-week trip. I immediately began to tell him that it was the best carry-on we have and that I really wanted to use it for myself, but am selflessly giving it to him, because he is special. (Creates the thought that he is the favorite child.) I proceed to point out that this carry-on has uncommon features that the others do not. (Creates thought that it really is better so he must be better also.) I show him that it comes with straps that turn it into a back pack which is convenient for all those train boardings. (Creates the feeling that he has a leg-up on all of us, therefore he is at the top of the pecking order.)

It's pretty effective really. After discovering a space behind the liner, Drew even commented that it was a super secret hiding spot where he would put multiple passports with various identities as well as foreign currency from every country and a gun and a knife, like Jason Bourne. I was a little worried since he is 19 after all and it seemed a little immature. Then, my fears were laid to rest when I received this packing suggestion from my 38 year-old brother in-law;