Are single child selfish because they do not have a sibling to share their thing

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   dipsmiposted 13 years ago

   Are single child selfish because they do not have a sibling to share their things with?

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2. 59

   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   I don't think all only children are selfish - it depends on the situation, how the parents approached it etc.  Sometimes only children can be part of a larger extended family and can learn quite a bit about larger families and sharing.
   
   I am an only child and a lot of things involving groups are very difficult for me - maybe because of my only child status, I don't know.

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This is so true. What many people do not realize that only children DON'T exist in a cocoon, they are with other children-friends, associates, cousins, & other children.They learn to share from those encounters.

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3. 79

   brsmom68posted 13 years ago

   I do not believe being an only child is what makes them selfish. I know many people who have siblings, and some of them are more selfish than those who are the only child. If a child is raised to think of others before themselves they will generally stay that way. Genetics do play a partial role I'm sure, but not much can be done about that. If an only child is doted on and catered to, it is the fault of the parents, not the child. Only children can be taught to share with others less fortunate than themselves by giving away items they no longer need. It is something we all should do; just my opinion.

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   1. 85

      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      AMEN to you! Some of the most selfish, prima donna & ME-FIRST people come from large/very large families.These people NEVER shared anything with anyone, they were always asking OTHERS for things. Yes, only children are generous & DO SHARE.

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   Catzgendronposted 13 years ago

   I believe that being selfish is part personality and part the upbringing of the child.  I know younger only children, young adults that are only children and older people that were only children.  The ones that are selfish were and are extremely spoiled by their parents for one reason or another.  I also know children that come for large families that are spoiled because they are self centered  and the is a personality trait.

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It is HOW children are raised.There are only children who are generous as they were taught to share.There are people from large families who are selfish because they were ALWAYS forced to share what little they had.Some in such families r CATERED to.

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   MsDoraposted 13 years ago

   Selfishness is mostly a learned behavior. The parents have to make a greater effort since there are no siblings around, but if they and other family members make it a habit to share with the child, the child will learn to share. 
   
   Practice sharing activities for one.  For example, don't give the child a whole bag of chips (for example).  Tell the child you're leaving some in case another child comes to visit.

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6. 85

   gmwilliamsposted 12 years ago

   The idea that only children are selfish because they had no siblings is a stereotype assumed and believed by the sibling society. Siblingship or no siblingship is inconsequential regarding sharing. read more

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   1. 85

      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This hub is in response to the question, please read and respond.

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