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by Daydreamer on July 5th, 2005

Daydreamer

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What are the pros and cons of being an only child?

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  • by Spixxy on July 11th, 2005

    Spixxy

    As an only child, I think that the pros far outweigh the cons. When I was very young I always wanted a sibling, but as I got older I got over it and I really appreciate it now. I wouldn't have it any other way.

    Only children benefit economically, mentally, and socially. Being an only child and having to move a lot, I was forced to be outgoing because this was the only way I would make friends. I consider myself to be very outgoing with a good self-image that was fostered by my parents' undivided support and attention. These kids are forced to entertain themselves a lot because they don't have a built-in playmate, and that can make them more creative than most kids. Personally, I was never bored or lonely as a kid or as an adult, and my only children friends say the same thing. I consider myself to be very independent. I enjoy doing things on my own and I'm comfortable being alone.

    Cons: There really aren't that many unless the child is in an unhealthy, unsupportive family situation, and in that case it doesn't matter if there are siblings are not. It's very easy to spoil an only child, but the parent just has to make sure they appreciate what they have and don't have a sense of entitlement.

    From http://utopia.utexas.edu/articles/opa/only_children.html -

    "Only children have higher self-esteem than others. Positive attention from parents helps children develop and maintain a positive view of themselves. Only children have an advantage here in that they receive more attention from their parents than children from larger families. This positive attention does not spoil children, but rather allows parents to monitor their children and take corrective action when needed.

    Only children achieve more than others. Because the parents of only children have more time and other resources to devote toward their child's development, only children tend to do better in school and complete more years of education than others. Consequently, only children later tend to have more prestigious occupations than others."

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    • Thank you, I agree, I have 4 siblings and as a young adult I've had huge problems with my self-esteem and socializing :-(

      Daydreamer

      by Daydreamer on July 12th, 2005

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