Only Children ?

I didn't read anybody else's responses so I dont know if I am in the majority or not, but I am an only child. I would not trade it for the world. I think that children grow up well rounded/happy in both scenarios, siblings or not and the presence of actual siblings has little to do with it. As a child i wanted a sibling, begged for one, and even made up a story to my teachers that my parents were adopting a baby. At about age 12 I stopped wanting that, as a matter of fact at about 14 my parents discussed adopting a baby and i was against it entirely. I do not feel like i was let down in any way, i do not feel like I missed out on any bonds. I have very close friends that are like sisters to me, except i only have the good parts of them, not the fighting and sibling rivalry. I also have cousins that I am very close to.
As an adult, some of the benefits I see are that my kids are the only grandchildren and my parents adore them (not that all grandparents dont, but there is no competition-there is no so and so kids got this, my kids got that). When it comes to holidays, its only me, our holidays are mellow, my parents are able to work with my schedule for other family meetings because its just me, its not well tara can come at this time but susy can only come at this time and bobby cant come at either time, there is no picking and choosing because its just me.
Additionally, as an adult i have now experienced friends losing parents. While i know it will be hard for all decisions to lay on my shoulders, i also see the nastiness between siblings (again not all), about last wishes, funerals, caretaking when ill, and then "getting the goods" and I am thankful I will never have to deal with that, I have seen it happen in even the best closest families i know. But it wont happen to me.
I did see a mention about being an uncle when i was skimming, my husband has a brother and i am newly an aunt, that baby is just as much my nephew as he is my husbands and both my brother in law and sister in law agree. The fact that i dont have "true" siblings doesnt change that, i have many dear clsoe friends that call me aunt as do my kids to them and i feel every bit as much an aunt to them as my husband does to his True nephew. I have more godchildren than anybody I know that has True siblings. to me that argument is irrelevant.
anyway, jsut saying i love being an only child and i wouldnt trade it for the world.
As a side note, i do have two children, however they are 8 years apart and will each have a significant portion of their childhood where they are raised as only children, my first from birth to age 8 and my second from 10 forward. I did that intentionally.

I'm an only child. I'm 35, and am well adjusted. I grew up figuring out how to play and entertain myself on my own. Both my parents worked, and from the age of 9, I was a latchkey kid, and stayed by myself in the summertime. Teachers loved me because I read books constantly. I preferred to read books rather than interact with my peers, who, even at that time seemed very immature. I knew how to deal with other kids, knew how to share, knew all of that, but preferred (and still do) to be by myself. I'm autonomous and I like it that way. That's kind of they way I grew up. I got the benefit of figuring things out and and doing things on my own..I did not need adult input.

I'm an only child, and also the mother of an only child. I'm intelligent, well adjusted, successful and never felt like I'd missed out on a thing being an only child. Our daughter (now 21 yrs old) is a senior in college, exceptionally bright (received a full four-year academic scholarship), and probably one of the most well adjusted kids I've ever met (of course I could be a bit biased on that hahaha).

My mother gave me plenty of love, attention and guidance, and I've done the same with my daughter. Whether you have 1 child or 20, I believe you get out what you put in!

My significant other is an only child and he said he sometimes was lonely as a child and that he developed more selfish traits, my cousin (only child as well) has said that too before. That being said, like the second post stated, a lot of only children are more successful in life than children from large families. I think he'll be fine though.

I forgot to add, they say they both really enjoy being only children.

I am a 30 year old woman, and an only child. I have to honestly say, that I wouldn't consider myself lonely, AT ALL! Actually, I feel extremely independent! I am single, and have no children. And I'm okay with that! I enjoy my 'me' time, and I know that if it's meant to happen - it will. I have learned to rely on myself a lot and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am also successful and well-adjusted. I'm a school psychologist.

Can I also add that I have the BEST relationship with my parents?!? And I always did!! Never went through that teenage stage where I didn't want to be around my parents. I love and respect them more than ever the older I get! Not saying people that aren't only children don't respect and love their parents - please don't hear me wrong! But when you are an only child - you have a special bond with your parents and extended family

My son is an only child, he was a sweet, bright, good natured, sharing, happy child and he is now a normal, well adjusted, hard working, intelligent, happy, young man, who has never given me a moments trouble. I am very very proud of him.:happy: :happy: :happy:

I think whether you miss out on having siblings depends on the effort of the parent. Do you keep them occupied, make sure they have friends their age to play with regularly, spend time with them, act like a kid yourself on occasion?

Not technically an only child, there's 12 years between myself and older sibling. With that said, I like being a "loner" and wonder if it came from being an "only child". I had no issue making friends, and played 3 sports but wasn't always big on hanging out in big groups all the time.

In college I liked my roommates and hanging out with them, but loved graduating before them, moving to my own apt and living alone. I'd still go out with them, but absolutely loved knowing I had my own personal place to go home to at the end of the night and after work.

I had one sister and had a close bond most of the time. We had everything we needed and mostly everything we wanted.
My husband is oldest of 4... His parents had a tough time and they never had much. All the boys went into the military because their life would be better. When he left home, he never visited for years...Now that he's 27 he's close to his family and sibs again.

I like having my sister because now i have a nephew and my daughter has a cousin and 2 aunts and 3 uncles.
Yet she is 4...and we are not really looking into having any more children. I get the whole need a sibling and friend but my husband and I were young when we had her, and we are finally getting ahead and balanced. My husband is still active duty and he was in Iraq during my pregnany and birth of our daughter. I would HATE for that to happen with the 2nd one.

I think it's best to decide what the PARENTS can handle mentally, physically and financially. My daughter asks for a brother/sister alot..but we tell her that mommy and daddy want to give all our love to HER.

I am an only child (adopted) and I have no complaints...my parents wanted to adopt another child but after waiting for 4 yrs. decided they didn't want the age gap to be too big, so they decided to stick with just me! I have, as a result, been afforded the opportunity to experience a world of travel, languages, culture and so much more as a result. I don't think they could have financially been able to provide me with all that I have experienced if I had siblings. I don't feel like I missed much, I cherish friendships a lot more and am a very extroverted person as a result. I made friends wherever we went and that taught me a lot of social skills as an adult.

Don't stress and do what you feel is best for you and your family. Good luck!