1. You’ll Need More Playdates…

Families with more than one child can be pretty sure that their child has socializing down – after all, siblings have to learn to play, share and put up with each other from an early age. So it’s no real surprise that one of the key facts about only children is that they’ll need more playdates to develop those socialization habits. While your little one might get along great with adults, they need plenty of time around children too. Whether it’s team sports, playdates with other mums or play groups, you’ll want to get involved with a few regular activities.

2. You’ll Become a Kid’s TV Star…

To a certain extent, children will entertain each other. From rolling balls at each other to teaching each other to draw or reading together, siblings have a whole other source of entertainment – but an only child just has you. Which will result in you becoming one of those super kid’s TV presenters who can make anything fun, and has a song for everything. Make it easy on yourself by mixing the day up into dolls, creative activities like Play-Doh, outdoor time and TV time.

3. You’ll Get More Done…

Planning things is much easier with just one child. Once they start school or are old enough for sleepovers, you’ll have a big period of time to yourself, and even before then you’ll find that other people will happily look after just one child. How hard can one little one be?! Not as tough as three, that’s for sure.

4. There is Some Guilt…

No doubt plenty of people will find it necessary to comment on your family, and inform that you’ve still got time to have another child – and you’d be completely right to ignore them, and stick to the family size that suits you. But when your little one meets a baby, expect questions and sad eyes. My little sister once told me that her birthday wish was for a little brother! Some guilt in these circumstances is natural, and completely expected.

5. Only Children Blossom…

That’s not to say that big families don’t, but the maths is simple. When there are more children in a family, the parents are spread thinner. With just one child, your little one will get the whole attention of their parents, and likely their grandparents too. And this does reflect in everything from homework ability to independence.

6. There’s Nothing to Dread…

So we’ve all heard how bad the terrible twos are, and nobody is looking forward to worrying about what time their 17 year old will get home, or that first time that your teenager skips curfew. But nothing seems quite so bad when you know you are only going through it once, and won’t be repeating it. There’s some wonderful moments, too – once you’ve lost your baby weight it’ll be gone for good, and once you’ve stopped buying nappies you’ll never need them again…

7. It’s Cheaper…if You do It Right

One recent study put the price of raising a child to 18 at a whopping $400,000, so it’s no wonder some families only want to pay out once. Having just one child can be a massive saving, even when considering that you can use some objects again and again. But be careful that you don’t splurge out of guilt – it won’t take many iPhones, cars or extravagant activities to completely negate the savings. This is one of the most unbelievable facts about only children: who knew they were so expensive?!

Of course, there are plenty of other interesting facts, too. Parents are much less likely to be consistent with only children, and typically give in to requests for toys or treats much easier. But in general, there is no difference between only children and those with 9 brothers – your parenting style should be the same, and any facts about only children are purely for interest! Do you have an only child? I’d love to know what you think!