I need some positive advice from parents of only children, I always wanted a huge family but due to many things this is never going to happen. I am blessed with one beautiful child that I am thankful for everyday. My child is smart, thoughtful, loving and caring. My issue is that people are so quick to comment on how sad it is that he will grow up alone or if he shows a certain type of behaviour (e.g. dobbing) this is because of being an only child. I feel so guilty like I have let him down I would love to hear some of the positives to being an only child
3 Replies
What a load of nonsense! As one of three sisters I can promise you children with siblings are equally capable if being spoilt, dobbers, bratty, entitled etc as only children.
I have lots of friends who are only children and they are the best friends, loyal, generous, smart, independent, kind people I know.
Social skills can be learnt without siblings, they get learnt in kindy, school, playgroup, play dates, playgrounds etc.
I think in this country 'dobbing' wrongly has a bad reputation. Teaching children not to dob teaches them not to report crimes, not to speak up when they see someone being harmed, not to speak up when someone abuses them!
I have an only too, I (thankfully) don't have many people offering their opinions on our decision but if I did I would shut them down instantly - mostly because comments about our family and our decisions are inappropriate. Our daughter is kind, compassionate and very smart. She gets plenty of interaction with other children but plenty of one on one time with her parents.
There are positives and negatives to every family situation I am sure and just because you have siblings does not guarantee you a good and lasting relationship with them, nor does being an only doom you to a life of loneliness.
I have 6 brothers and sisters and i love them all dearly. There was never a dull moment but we were each loved very much. I know if anything happens with my parents, we will all be able to support each other. Which is the only thing i am worried about for future child/children.