7 Amazing Benefits of Being an Only Child ...

By Lyndsie

As my parents' one and only, I might be a little biased in thinking there are profound benefits of being an only child. I'm not going to say that I wasn't terribly spoiled (nor will I lie and say I'm not still spoiled), and I won't claim that I didn't occasionally clamor for a brother or sister, but on the whole I enjoyed and still enjoy being an only child. There are a variety of reasons, but most of them are less shallow that you might imagine – that is, they don't all revolve around the joy of knowing that I didn't have to share my toys and that all the presents under the Christmas tree were for me. No, there are benefits of being an only child that have nothing to do with superficial things, so it's something to think about when you're not sure if you want more than one child.

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1

Close Parental Relationships

For me, one of the biggest benefits of being an only child has always been my relationship with my parents. Part of that comes from the fact that they're only twenty years older than me, but there's much more than that. I was a mommy's girl and a daddy's girl, and my parents never talked down to me. Although there were times, as a child, that my mom and dad were my friends, they were also my parents, always. They struck the perfect balance, so that I didn't get away with meltdowns, temper tantrums, and spoiled brat behavior. As I got older, however, and exhibited responsible decisions and good values, the seeds of friendship sown in my earlier years blossomed, so that now, my parents actually are my besties. I'd hang out with them even if we weren't related!

2

A Wild Imagination

Some people insist that only children are always lonely, but I never had that problem. When I didn't have cousins or friends to hang out with, my imagination kept me company. Whether I was losing myself in a book, playing with my imaginary friends (among them were Colonel and Creamy), or writing little stories and plays I then turned into soap operas with my extensive Barbie collection, I was always happy and occupied – and I really think it led me to my career as a writer. The same is true for only children the world over, I bet.

3

A Strong Sense of Self Esteem

I'm honestly not sure what it is, but although I was a chubby child who sometimes played coy, I had plenty of self confidence. Teasing didn't get to me, because my parents took every opportunity to tell me I was awesome. This sounds like bragging, for which I'm sorry because I really don't mean to sound like an arrogant little chit, but I felt awesome. I developed a good sense of humor, loved making people laugh, and did not let insults and mean comments hurt my feelings. That still holds true today, and I know I owe it to my parents. Again, I think this is probably a trait shared by many only children.

4

Serious Independence

As an only child, you don't have any built in babysitters or playmates. Oh, I had babysitters; we lived too far out in the middle of hoot and holler for my parents to let me stay by myself until I was well in the double digits. Still, you learn how to do things for yourself. I kept myself occupied when my folks couldn't play with me and when I wasn't hanging out with my pawpaw, I naturally did chores, and I always felt secure when I needed to rely on myself.

5

No Sibling Rivalry

To this day, the dynamic between my partner Heather and her brother still confuses the hell out of me. Growing up, too, I always saw sibling rivalry between my friends and their brothers and sisters. Some competed with their older siblings, while other expressed extreme jealousy of their younger siblings. I never had to compete with anyone, so I didn't feel any pressure – and I knew that my parents didn't prefer anyone else over me. Not that all parents of multiple children do, by any means, but many of my friends felt that way sometimes.

UPD:

Being an only child has many great benefits that many people don't consider. Unlike children with siblings, only children don't have to worry about sibling rivalry. Without siblings, there is no competition for parental attention or resources. This means that only children don't have to worry about feeling like their parents prefer one child over the other. Furthermore, only children don't have to worry about feeling jealous of their siblings when they receive more attention or resources. Without siblings, only children are able to have a closer relationship with their parents, since they are the only ones getting their attention.

Only children are also able to have more independence and freedom than children with siblings. They don't have to worry about having to share their parents' attention, or having to compete with their siblings for resources. This allows them to explore their interests and develop their own unique personalities without feeling the pressure of having to compete with their siblings.

In addition, only children are able to develop strong relationships with adults outside of their family. Without siblings, only children have more time to spend with adults, such as teachers or family friends. This allows them to develop strong relationships with adults, which can help them in the future.

Famous Quotes

Silence at the proper season is wisdom, and better than any speech.

Plutarch
6

A Wider Circle of Friends

Since I didn't have any brothers or sisters, I had to find my playmates elsewhere. Only children learn to make friends so that they have people to play with after school and on weekends. Even if you're shy, you know that it's important to become friends with the kids in your class or your neighborhood, and I think it's sometimes easier for only children, because we value time spent with other children so much.

UPD:

Being an only child can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, only children don't have to share their parents' attention and resources with siblings, and they often enjoy the special bond they have with their parents. On the other hand, only children can sometimes feel lonely and isolated, especially when they don't have many friends.

However, only children can develop a wider circle of friends as they grow older. Since they have to find their playmates outside of their family, only children learn to make friends quickly and easily. They learn to be social and outgoing, even if they are shy. Plus, only children often appreciate the time they spend with their friends, which can help them form deeper relationships.

In addition, only children have more time to focus on their own hobbies and interests, which can help them find friends with similar interests. They can also join clubs and organizations that focus on specific interests, which can help them find friends with similar backgrounds or values.

7

Nurtured Hobbies and Talents

Being an only child means that your parents are focused on you. They don't have to spread their attention around to other children. As a result, your hobbies and talents are nurtured and you're able to explore them. For me, that included writing, with my parents always encouraging me to create little worlds made of the written word.

I wouldn't change my upbringing for anything. Sure, my parents were sometimes overprotective, but I was never spoiled so rotten that I threw fits in public or expected things rather than being grateful for them. Being an only child resulted in an extremely close, loving, and fun relationship with my parents, whom I count among my very best friends, and it did wonders for my imagination and creativity. Are you an only child, or do you have siblings? Did you ever wonder if the grass was greener on the other side?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I am the baby of the family. I have 4 sisters, 2 step & 2 real. ages are 38, 34, 29, 27, and I am 23. Big age difference growing up. I was the annoying little kid. My relationship with my sisters growing up, wasn't that great. I was still into dolls and make believe while they were boy crazy teenagers. Sometimes growing up I felt like an only child whenever they stopped playing with me. I had to fend for myself lol. But like you wrote, it helped build my imagination. I love having sisters. We are close now. If I was an only child I wouldn't have my nieces and nephews to love on. Their babies are my loves :-)

I grew up with four younger siblings and love/hate the dynamic in between times but wouldn't trade the family bond for anything. My son is turning two and I been feeling the pressure to have more children and the guilt of him being the only child if that's the path I choose. Hearing how positive your experience is as an only child is reassuring even though I've been told otherwise.

I was an only child too. I can relate to most of your points. But I had always wanted a sibling. I truly think I would have had close to the same opportunities as I did as an only child.

I beg to differ. Not all parents are the same, but I've managed to be my own self. A father telling you what to do down to the minuscule detail for who you should become and now who I wish to be.

None of this makes sense,sounds like a strong person with great personality but nothing to do with having siblings or not,and honestly a lil naive

So enjoyed your article Lyndsie:) I use to envy my 'only child' friends while growing up in household of 7 kids. I always felt my mom never had enough time or energy left at the end of the day.

This is so true!!! Especially "Wild Imagination".

Just wanna say none of this is true

Being six years apart from my younger sister I use to think she was annoying and that I'd be better off an only child but as I grew up I've come to realize it is amazing to have a special bond with her like no one else. I got to see her grow and mature and would never want my life any other way. I guess everyone comes to love what life has to offer them.

I've always wanted siblings I still do and I'm 24 now. I'm a bit of a loner sometimes but I'm sure if I had a younger sibling I'd love that bond. Just someone to always be there when my cousins can't. So I'm not the only young person on the family trips :-(

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