Monday, September 12, 2016

Why It's Great To Be An Only Child





I'm an only child.

Instead of posing with a sibling, I posed with stuffed animals.





I got to experience peace and quiet on a daily basis. I didn't have someone running in and messing with my stuff.

Did I want a brother or sister? Yes. I asked my parents several times for one. "Instead of toys for Christmas, can Santa bring a baby?"

But it wasn't to be. And honestly, I'm sort of glad. And here's why.





1. You learn independence. I didn't always have someone to play with. Sure my parents would play the occasional game, but it was mostly me. I learned that it was okay to be alone. I actually began to crave it. Even now if I don't get my alone time, I tend to get moody. I also didn't completely lose it whenever my husband had to deploy. I was okay with being on my own at night because I had done it as an only child.


2. You figure out how to entertain yourself. If Mom and Dad are busy, it's up to you to figure out some entertainment. You can't grab a sibling and start a game. I came up with my own ideas.


3. Your imagination is generally spectacular. Since you have to entertain yourself, your mind goes wild. It's probably why I'm a writer.


4. You'll probably be a voracious reader. I loved to go into another world. Become friends with characters. I might have been an only child, but when I read books like Ten Kids, No Pets, I was surrounded by siblings.




5. You don't think the world revolves around you. I was watching Counting On about the Duggar family and Jill was telling her son that he needed a sibling "so he didn't think the world revolved around him." Newsflash Jill: I never thought this. Yes, I knew I was important and that my parents loved me, but I didn't get whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I was grounded a lot growing up for my sassy behavior.


If you're an Only Child, welcome to the fabulous club. If your child is an Only Child, don't worry, they'll be fine. I debated for the longest time if I was going to have another kid: in the end I went for it because I really wanted a little girl. And while sometimes I do wish I had a sibling to talk to, I know being an Only Child benefited me in the end.


So are you an Only Child?


94 comments:

  1. I'm not an only child, I have a sister. We have always very different people with her being the loud attention seeking one. This meant I usually kept out of the way and learned to enjoy my own company. It wasn't until she moved out (and shortly after I did too) that I felt that I could finally be myself. We still don't get on and haven't spoken for many years. I often wished I was an only child.

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  2. It's always been hard for me to understand the only child thing because I'm the third of four!

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  3. That's so nice that you had such a great experience being an only child! I've heard people say that only having one kid is "selfish" which I think is such a hurtful thing to say especially since not all parents are able to have more than one child for whatever reason. Any of the only kids I knew growing up were always happy and well adjusted

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  4. Only child here! And I loved it! Totally agree with everything you just said. My dad was the middle child of 5 kids and he did not like it...so I tend to wonder if that helped their decision to just have me! Haha

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  5. I'm quite not but Cassidy is! I think there are cool points to both. We almost just had Scarlet and we were perfectly comfortable raising an only child!
    I'm so glad we have Des, but of course I think that because I have him and he's spectacular.

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  6. I am an only child too, but what I wanted to say is, you were the cutest child ever!

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  7. Omg that framed picture of you is adorable and not only that but in the framed picture you seriously looked like that former child actress Alisan Porter from the 90s movie curly Sue seriously.! I mean when I saw that framed picture of you I caught myself asking Is that Alisan Porter? LOL And then I realized nope it was just you.Omg another thing just hit me too also there's another former child actress you resembled her name is Ashley Peldon she was on a soap opera called as the world Turns several years back and some other made for TV movie called Child Of Rage I think?

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    1. I love Alison Porter! I watched Curly Sue a lot. I'm not sure about the other actress you mentioned though.

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  8. Lol, this was a funny read - my boyfriend is an only child and I can totally see some of this in him!

    -Clarissa @ The View From Here

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  9. Thank you for the post. As parent to an only child (though I don't love the term) it's great to hear you love it. My daughter (10) is one the happier people I know - totally well-adjusted and giving to the point where we were concerned she was giving too many of her toys away to friends!

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  10. I'm not an only child, but I am the oldest child, so there were a few years I was all alone :)

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  11. I've got a younger brother...! I'm pretty independent as well so I can see the benefits of being an only child! ...

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  12. My siblings and I are all 3-years apart. May not be an only child, but my imagination was/is crazy!

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  13. My husband is an only child, and he enjoyed it. We're not sure if we'll add a #2 to our family.

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  14. I'm pretty much an only child. I have 2 half brothers (1 passed away in August) & a half sister, but they are all older than me & never really lived with us. My brother's stayed over on the weekends when I was really little. My brother Tommy lived with us for a few months when he was 18. But I was always alone playing with my barbie dolls & when I got older listening to music. I did know how to entertain myself. I still love being alone the most. I'm the happiest alone.
    http://therantingsofadramaqueensmum.blogspot.com

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  16. I have been always in a big family. It was fun and noisy with fighting for resources all he time. I guess an only child has many advantages that I can think of. But in the overall scheme of things parenting matters more than anything else. ebpw

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  17. I am not an only child, but my only sibling is 10 years older than me. He left for college when I was in third grade. So while I do have a brother, I usually still had to entertain myself when I was a child.

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  18. I am an only child and for the most part, I loved it. The older I got and the more I saw, the happier I was to be an only. My daughter is an only and she absolutely loves it. My husband got tired of her being asked when was her mommy and daddy going to give her a sibling, he told her to say, "They're not. They got it right the first time with me." The looks I've gotten from people though.

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  19. I come from a large family, and we have 3 kids...so I don't have much knowledge of only children! That said, there are benefits both to being an only and having siblings. The most important thing is that you have a great attitude about it. Thanks so much for joining in at the #happynowlinkup!

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  20. That was such a good article. My son most likely will be an only child. We have chosen to put him in a private school, take him on holidays and give him the quality of life I never had. He never asks for a sibling, well not yet...lol

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    1. Sounds like he has a great life! He might ask ;) I know I did several times. But at the same time, I liked my life as it was.

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  21. I'm an only child and it was kind of lonely growing up. I also always wanted a brother or sister. So I always thought that when I have kids, I'm going to make sure they have a sibling. Unfortunately I had my son so late in life (36) and he is quite a handful. Hubby and I decided that we couldn't handle another. But at least he has cousins and has found ways to entertain himself. I still wish we could have had another kid just for his sake.

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  22. I'm not a single child and I have two younger brothers and while growing up how I wished, I was just the only kid so that I could get all the attention from my parents. But now I'm thankful to have two brothers as we got each others back.

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  23. Hi, I am not an only child, but for the most part grew up as one. The learning independence is so true! I had to be independent very early on, and I believe my upbringing allowed for me to get through those first few years!

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  24. I am not an only child but I can relate to these points because of the age gap between myself and my older brothers. I definitely know how to be alone and entertain myself :)

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    1. I think that's important! Some people have no idea how to entertain themselves.

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  25. I was kind of an only child, but with 7 siblings. It's weird I know, but I get where you are coming from. #happynowlinkup

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  26. I have one daughter. Don't plan another, but I have sister. My sister's behaviour has caused me a lot of headache. Definitely agree to all that you said

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  27. I have one daughter. Don't plan another, but I have sister. My sister's behaviour has caused me a lot of headache. Definitely agree to all that you said

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  28. This was a nice read. Love your perspective!

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  29. I think there are great things about every kind of child! I love being the older of two but can totally see the benefits of each one!

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  30. Omg just love this!!!! My duaghter is an only child!!!!!

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  31. I am an only child and I turned out just fine :) two of my closest friends are also only children. It depends on who you talk to. Some people find that a sibling is better for playmates etc. But I look at it as the mother and her health. If one was difficult on her health, than there shouldn't be any pressure on her for another one. I am in the boat at the moment as I am 37 and think I only want one :)

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  32. I don't think I would survive being the only child...
    Maybe I would be spoilt by now because of the attention huh!!

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  33. It's always been hard for me to understand the only child thing because I'm the second child of my parents.The learning independence is so true!I love it.

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  34. My daughter is an only and she sounds a lot like you! I believe you are on to something there. I think people perceive only children as self centered, but what I see is a child who is comfortable talking to adults and kids alike.

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  35. I come from a family of eight. There was always somebody to play with good or bad. I too grew up with all of these because everyone wants some quiet time when there are 10 people in the house.

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  36. My son is technically my only child. However, he has siblings on both sides by marriage. I've always struggled with him being an only child. However, I'm learning to get over it. I think he loves it and hates it at times.

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  37. Interesting perspective. I know of at least 2 only children who are the opposite. They are completely selfish, self-centered, ungrateful and insensitive, and are certain the world revolves around them. Neither is independent or the type of person that enjoys reading at all. I was not an only child. I am an independent person and a voracious reader, and I did have 2 different portraits taken with stuffed animals.

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  38. I am not an only child, and honestly I couldn't imagine if I was! But I see your point!

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  39. I'm not an only child, but the oldest of a large family. I was definitely happy to have 1 brother, but not so thrilled as a teen to suddenly have a bunch more siblings in a row at the time ;) I think everyone adapts and makes do and that's cool!

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  40. Being an only child can indeed make one really independent. You also get more care and attention.

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  41. I am not an only child we are seven and growing up was an adventure. My son is alone now but always says he wants a brother or sister I am yet to decide but still on the fence.

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  42. My grand daughter is 10 and an only child. I think she'd love to have a sibling but I don't think it's going to be a wish that comes true. I keep telling her to just enjoy it.

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  43. I am an only child. I am not a voracious reader to be honest. I prefer audiobooks so I can multi-task. However, I am comfortable being independent and I'm also very imaginative. :)

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  44. I'm not an only child and I have a younger sister but it's interesting to see your perspective on growing up without siblings.

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  45. I'm not an only child but I do know someone that has an only child. There's so many advantages one of which she travels a lot more and is able to afford to put her into a private school. If there is more than one child and her family there would not be able to afford either.

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  46. I definitely have some only child friends who fit this bill! Although some of these I know I definitely have as well. I think having a brother made a difference since we weren't into the same things we weren't playing together at certain ages.

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  47. I am not an only child but I was the oldest. It also had some of the advantages that you listed too. I have always been fairly independent, I do crave human interaction.

    I have 4 siblings but we are pretty spaced out.

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  48. It is great that you have such humility because being an only child you would get all the attention. I have two kids and I want them both to have the independence and self sufficiency you had.

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  49. I'm an only child and while I loved most of what you listed, I missed out on the bond of a sibling. I really wish I had that.

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  50. I have a sister. We were really close when we were kids, and as we grew up we start to show our own personalities and distant a little bit. We still get along really well. I'm glad that you were ok to be an only child and that you were not spoiled. I think this is the biggest mistake parents make when they have only a kid, they tend to spoil him or her.

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  51. I'm not an only child but I used to be more of an introvert. Being an only child definitely has its perks and it's awesome that you enjoyed being a kid!

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  52. i agree with your point but having siblings is a great experience too. I like your pics.

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  53. Nancy at Whispered InspirationsApril 12, 2018 at 6:20 AM

    I think this is a great post! So many people want to put pressure on parents to have more than one but being an only child isn't as bad as people try to make it seem! It totally has it's perks.

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  54. What a great post. We don't have anyone in our family that had a single child. Enjoyed your points and the pictures. Looks and sounds like you were always loved and had a great time while growing up.

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  55. I love what you posted about being a lonely child, it gives me great perspective. My brother came six years after me and we have six kids of our own, so I can only guess what it must be like. Sounds pretty awesome actually.

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  56. I am the eldest of 4 children, and I have three of my own. I loved growing up with my siblings, no matter how chaotic it was. Haha. My sister has only one child, and she is totally pampered but thankfully, my niece grew up to be level headed and responsible. I guess it does not matter whether you are an only child or one among many siblings. It is the upbringing that you received that matters.

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  57. I am not an only child yet I think I have experienced being an only child when I live alone and have to explore the other side without my family. Indeed, being independent is what I have learned first.

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  58. Wow, I used to feel sorry for people who are the only kid. You've just changed my mind! I was a 2nd to last of 9 children. We always had something to do with each other. This was great post. Thanks for sharing!

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  59. I am the oldest of two girls. Sometimes growing up I wished I was an only child.

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  60. I am one of 6, I always loved being part of a big family and have 4 of my own now (although 2 are step children) Reading this made me realise that it wouldn't be so bad as an only child!

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  61. I love being part of a big family and having more than one child, but I don't think that means it is right for everyone. I love being good friends with my siblings as adults.

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  62. These are definitely some nice advantages. Kickstarting good reading habits at a young age was probably very advantageous!

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  63. these are def some things to take advantage of my friend- i have a sibling and love the company when i need it but also have friends who are an only child and dont mind it

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  64. I am the youngest of 5. At times I wished for a sibling younger than me

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  65. My wife is an only child and she always says that it was awesome to grow up as an only child.

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  66. My husband and I are both only children.. which kind of sucks. No aunts or uncles for our kids! I also see a lot of parents who overspoil their single child.. but like anything, there are pros and cons!

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  67. I am not an only child I am on the 3rd among the 4 siblings and I am so happy having them in my life but I've seen these things on the part of my cousin's as she is an only child of her parents.

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  68. As a first born of two children ( I only have one sister, who is polar opposite of me) I can appreciate hearing more about how much being an only child did benefit you. This was a really nice read!

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  69. Oh my goodness, you look so cute with your stuffed animal! Good to hear from an only child perspective. I grew up with 2 brothers and it's always a chaos....lol! Thanks for sharing.

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  70. I'm not an only child but my brother is 13 yrs older and my sister is 11 yrs older. They both got married young so from the time I was about 8 I was only child. Even younger than that I had imaginary friends. I'm glad I was the only child--I have always had leadership qualities. confidence and a good imagination. My daughter is an only too.

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  71. I had two sisters, but we were not close growing up, so it was almost like being an only child. Fortunately we have all become close as adults.

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  72. I sometimes wished to be an only child, but I have a brother. I bet that having siblings and not having siblings may have some good sides, great you enjoyed being an only child. :)

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  73. I'm not an only child,but this post is so cute. I never wished to be,but I guess it would be fine.

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  74. I am not an only child and I prefer this way. It's great to have a sister or a brother! And I am glad to have two children, too!

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  75. Well, I actually agree to what you mentioned here. Can be a little lonely somtimes I suppose. Must be lovely having lots of brothers and sisters also.

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  76. Ha! Love this! My son is an only child right now - which I like, because it makes life easy (taking care of one kid vs. multiple) but my husband is ALL about having another at a certain point. I think a sibling is great for well, morbid reasons (like when my husband and I die, my son will have someone to discuss THAT with - lol), and I have this idea that they will be friends... But man, the thought of taking care of two kids - scares the pants off of me!

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  77. I'm the youngest of four kids, but I have a unico hijo or only son. Like you, my son wanted a baby brother when he was little, but that was it. He's enjoying life as an only child now. :)

    -LYNNDEE

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  78. There are definitely benefits to being an only child and I agree that learning independence is one of them. My close friend can so relate to this post!

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  79. That's nice that you were able to find so many reasons to be thankful to be an only child.

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  80. I'm not an only child, but I can see why being one could be great. I honestly loved growing up with siblings though. One of my sisters and I were close in age, so we grew up being really good friends.

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  81. I can relate to this! I believe it did make me extremely independent. I don't know what I would have done if I had someone around touching my stuff all the time. I often wonder what kind of sibling I would have been!

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  82. I always wondered what it would be like to be an only child growing up. I wouldn't trade my 3 brother's for anything, but it's still nice to imagine.

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  83. Thank you for sharing this. Right now my nephew is an only child. My brother and my nephew's mom split up, so I don't know if that will ever change. But as someone with a sibling I worry sometimes about my nephew!

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  84. Glad that being only child has many great benefits that you will grow and learn more in different aspect of life.

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  85. i always wanted to know how it was like being an only child. i am the eldest one. haha

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  86. I have three children but I consider my youngest an only child because he is only 7, while the other two are in the twenties. I enjoyed along time as a child, but he craves constant attention. I'm hoping he'll discover the quality of alone time as he gets older.

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  87. I was one of four growing up, but it felt like I was the only child since I was the only girl. It definitely had its perks.

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  88. I've a younger brother and I really loved growing with him. However, couldn't agree with all the perks that comes with the only child!

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