As the oldest child in your family, what would you want to say to an only child?

1. 83

   gmwilliamsposted 11 years ago

   As the oldest child in your family, what would you want to say to an only child?

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2. 0

   alwaysamberposted 11 years ago

   I am an only child, so I'm interested to see what people say about this. Coming from he perspective of an only child, I would tell those with siblings that being an only child has its moments. When I was a kid, it wasn't so bad, but now, at 28 years old, I definitely do wish that I would have had siblings. As my parents get older, I am the only one to call on. I am the only one to help them. I have no brothers and sisters to go to and they have no other children to go to. I definitely worry about it a lot more, now that I'm older.

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   1. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Good morning, Ms. Amber, be GLAD that you are an only child.   Even if parents have multiple children, it is always  THE OLDEST CHILD who assumes most of the responsibility THROUGHOUT life from childhood to grave.  Younger siblings seldom help out.

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3. 61

   xanzacowposted 11 years ago

   I would say "Be careful when asking for brothers or sisters, you may get them." Mostly joking here. I was an only child, and would ask for brothers or sisters quite frequently. I wanted someone to play with. Well, at the age of 15, I got my wish. A baby brother. At 17, I got my wish again. Another baby brother. Not exactly what I meant. I loved them dearly and still do. I only wish we had grown up together. I guess maybe I should have been more specific in my wishing!

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   1. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Only children do not know how BLESSED they are.   Look at the life of many oldest children, they have no childhood as they have to be surrogate parents to their younger siblings 24/7/365.   The life of oldest children, esp. in large families, is hell

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4. 83

   gmwilliamsposted 10 years ago

   
   
   The oldest child would say to the only child how grateful the latter should be.  The latter would never be detrhoned as he/she was in favor of younger siblings.  The latter would be able to enjoy a normative childhood & adolescence.  The latter would have privacy & freedom without the constant intrusion of younger siblings.  The oldest child would tell the only child how easy the latter's life is in comparison to his/her. 
   
   The oldest child will say how the only child's life is heaven in comparison to his/her.  Being constantly held to a higher standard than his/her siblings.  Being forced to assume adult responsibilities at an early age while younger siblings at the same age had more freedoms to do as they wished.  The oldest child will tell the only child NEVER to wish for a sibling for that means that the only child will transform to the OLDEST child who must constantly be on 24/7/365 for parents & siblings w/little or no time for himself/herself.
   
   The oldest child will educate the only chlld that the life of an oldest child is not exactly the life of Reilly but an neverending constant battle of being an unpaid servant to parents/younger siblings, being punished for things that younger siblings do, & not being able to do the things that normal children & teens do because they have to be CONSTANTLY home to WATCH/MIND younger siblings.  The oldest will tell the only that being the oldest can be QUITE ARDUOUS, wouldn't wish being the oldest on their worst enemy!  The oldest will exhort the only child to COUNT his/her BLESSINGS!

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