Only children?
By pooja30
@pooja30 (203)
India
June 5, 2010 1:56pm CST
I was just wondering if there are any other people around who've had the experience of growing up as an only child. I'm one, and according to most people I know, I'm missing out on a lot by not having a sibling. But I disagree, I've had the best time being an only child, and my parents have been amazing to me, and I don't think I've grown up to be a "spoilt brat". And I definitely have learnt how to share and respect people's privacy even though I haven't had any experience with doing things like that as a child, with someone my own age. Sure, it's lonely sometimes, but then again, I have good friends and good parents, so I can deal. Any other only children? What do you guys think? Would we have grown up "better" with siblings around?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@Purdy52 (26)
• United States
6 Jun 10
I was an only child.There were times growing up that I was somewhat lonely, but I had a lot of friends, and a very,very,protective, and supportive Mother. My Dad was great too, when he was not working at his over the road trucking job! I missed him being there a lot. It was good getting a lot of attention which didn't have to be shared by my folks! I learned how to share with friends at school, and in our little neighborhood.I do miss having a sibling {sometimes},to share interests,children, and grand children, and life's problems,{No one to borrow money from},just kidding here. as an adult. Otherwise, I think I have grown up pretty content in being an only child!
1 person likes this
@pooja30 (203)
• India
6 Jun 10
Aww, that's so true. My dad lives overseas too, and they both are so amazing, even though I miss my dad a lot sometimes. The attention is the best, and somehow I think that if I had a sibling, I'd be a very different person. And there was a point of time in the past, when I wanted a sibling just for someone to talk to all the time, but I have my parents for that, and they've been so supportive. Now I'm just content being the way I am! :)
@karen1969 (1779)
•
6 Jun 10
I grew up as an only child too. I think in some ways it was good as I learned to amuse myself and rarely get bored. But I always wanted a little sister. Ten years ago, my Dad and his second wife had a baby, so I got my little sister but there are almost 31 years between us! I have had 4 children myself, which I think was because I was an only child.
@pooja30 (203)
• India
6 Jun 10
Aww, that's so nice! I'm glad you have a little sister, despite the age difference. :) I agree, I'm rarely bored because I've found ways to keep myself occupied without having to depend on other people.
And about your kids, really? I always figured when the time came for me to have children, I'd have just one, because I'd want to spoil and pamper my only child the same way I was spoiled and pampered :) Maybe it's a point of view that changes with experience and I'll just have to wait and see!
1 person likes this
@karen1969 (1779)
•
7 Jun 10
Of course, everyone is different. When I was 18, I wanted to have 12 children!!! 
Of course, once I was married and had a baby, I understood the realities more and 'only' wanted 4 kids! 
During childhood, my best friend had 2 sisters and 1 brother and they all seemed to get on really well, so I think that seemed the ideal to me. I did have 3 daughters and one son too (by luck, not design, of course!) but the girls argue a lot amongst themselves and it is certainly not idyllic!!
Being an only child, I also kept my possessions in good condition and even now, I own toys and books from my childhood in the 1970s and 1980s.
Of course, once I was married and had a baby, I understood the realities more and 'only' wanted 4 kids! During childhood, my best friend had 2 sisters and 1 brother and they all seemed to get on really well, so I think that seemed the ideal to me. I did have 3 daughters and one son too (by luck, not design, of course!) but the girls argue a lot amongst themselves and it is certainly not idyllic!!
Being an only child, I also kept my possessions in good condition and even now, I own toys and books from my childhood in the 1970s and 1980s.