Does being an only child suck?

Question

There are so many people who think theres something wrong with being an only child. I only want one child but society makes me think I should have more than one. They say if youre an only child you're self centered, dont know how to share, socially awkward, lonely, etc. Is this true? I grew up with siblings and I dont like one of them so that made me lean towards wanting one child. I hated sharing, them coming into my personal space and annoying me, and having to babysit them all the time (I was the oldest). And I don't want my son to have to deal with these things. What do you think?

Answer

Do what is right for you. There are plenty of only child's in this world and they're fine people 😊

Answer

I don’t think it “sucks”... there’s pros and cons to everything. The main thing I would be concerned about is that when you and your partner eventually pass away, your child won’t have any other immediate family left later in life. I mean, of course anything could happen but it’s really comforting knowing I’ll (presumably) have my brother around for the majority of my life even when my mom is no longer with us.
It’s also important to make sure your child gets enough interaction with other children. When you’re doing “family stuff” (vacations, dinners, etc) do you want them to be the only kid? I’m just thinking about going to amusement parks and stuff when I was little... couldn’t imagine it would’ve been half as enjoyable if it was just me and my parents. 
I also think it’s different if you have close family their age too though. Like I have a coworker who only has one child, but she is growing up living very close to the child’s aunts, uncles, and cousins her age.
Not trying to talk you out of it or anything, of course it’s your choice and you shouldn’t have a second child just because you think you’re “supposed” to. But I’m just bringing up some other points that I think are actually legitimate and worth at least considering... the “won’t know how to share” thing is BS in my opinion :p

Answer

I remember growing up and wishing I was the only child. My mother was always working so I was always taking care of my brother. She half raised him when she was around. It did feel like a burden. But honestly I love my brother to death. Him and I are close as hell and have so many inside jokes that make my husband raise his eyebrows in confusion. We laugh about the stupidest shit. One word and we’ll both be on the ground laughing. We talk all the time, gossip about people from school, talk about boyfriends (he’s gay), complain about our mom, I even teach him things I learned about “adulting” and being a parent with my very limited knowledge. 
I seriously don’t think I was meant to be an only child bc then I wouldn’t have had all the memories with him. Good and bad, we still talk about it all with happiness. 
We still fight. We still get annoyed. We still give each other attitude and the silent treatment.
It’s not always 100% happiness. 
Growing up we would scream at each other and I swear idk how many times I had to bite my tongue or unclench my fist bc I was seconds from swinging at him. That kid made me want to dive head-first into a brick wall countless times but he’s my little brother and I love him to death. 
Everyone has different experiences. Can’t say I expected this type of relationship with my brother in my whole life, but I’m happy he’s in mine.

Answer

I wish I was an only child! I'm the youngest and my siblings treated me like complete shit when we were growing up I hated them, me and my second oldest brother don't talk anymore he cancelled me outta his life so 🤷 hell they still treat me like shit now and I'm 22 and they are in their 30s. I'm pregnant with my first and I plan to have more, hopefully they don't hate each other like me and my siblings did and get along but only time will tell

Answer

Do what you want and what is right for you. I would have chosen one child honestly but I love being a part of me and my husbands family’s that both have four adult kids. spending holidays with everyone or summer visits where there is so much to share is what I love so much as a big family and I look forward to even though I’m not necessarily loving the baby/ toddler stage. Don’t pressure yourself.

Answer

I spent majority of my life as an only child because of some atypical circumstances and I would say that I’m not any of those things. I think every child goes through situations while growing where they show these traits because they’re learning, but in no way do I believe that just because you’re an only child, you’ll be selfish etc. I was also very social, and that might have been a key role in not becoming any of those things, but my parents also raised me well and I’d say that’s the most important part.

Answer

I'm not an only child. But I have a Chinese friend who is (single son policy generation) and he always laments how it's tough on him that his parents are getting old and he has no one else to lean in. It's a lot of pressure and no one to share with. He is filled with guilt.

Does being an only child suck?

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