To those who have a single child, what would YOU like to say to the naysayers, n

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   gmwilliamsposted 11 years ago

   To those who have a single child, what would YOU like to say to the naysayers, negators, and
   
   other haters who speak less than positively about single children?Although single children now comprise at least 20% of the population, there are STILL negative misperceptions and stereotypes regarding the single child.Single children are often seen as socially inept/awkward, self-centered, and too dependent upon parents.They are believed not to interact well and connect with others.  They are considered to be poor in relationships.However, such is not the case.Single children interact with others like those who are from multiple child families.They are also highly responsible and independent.
   
   

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2. 75

   Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years ago

   I do think that the amount of siblings in a home does have a huge impact on how each develops. However, I don't think it's fair to say that all "only child" people are destined to be a particular way, nor do I think it's fair to say that "multiple sibling children" will have an exact outcome. Honestly, I think that it is 90% in the parenting. For example, some only children may come from a home where the parents are coming and going and the child gets little attention and learns how to be independent, some homes just have neglectful parents.

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   NiaGposted 11 years ago

   I'm an only child and "too dependent upon parents" doesn't describe me at all. I am very dependent on myself. I interact well with others however I do cherish my alone time. I think some only children can have the best of both worlds because they can intermingle with others as well as be by themselves. I have seen some needy people that have siblings. They can not stand to be by themselves or are so uncomfortable being alone that they HAVE to have someone around them at all times. I'd rather be an only child and be able to balance the two. But that may not be all only children. People are different no matter if they do or don't have siblings. I agree that parenting has a lot to do with it. And I abhor the stereotype that we get everything we want. Not all of us did or do.

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      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Sometimes the middle child get left out; the first is obviously special because they are the first-born and the baby is special because it is the last born; first to do everything and last one to watch grow up. While the middle child gets a little lo

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      NiaG, Totally, totally agree.  I am, too, an only child and dependent on myself. If I want, I do mingle.  Yes, there are VERY NEEDY people with siblings who MUST HAVE people around them constantly and HATE being alone.My mother is one of those.

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   peachpurpleposted 11 years ago

   being a single child can be independent too. This depends on how the parents educate the only child. Some may spoil the child because he /she is the apple of the eye.

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I concur totally.So many people have the notion of an only child being a China Doll who does not know how to do anything and is totally fragile.  THEY COULD NOT BE MORE WRONG. I am an only child and very independent and responsible.

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   lisasuniquevoiceposted 11 years ago

   
   
   gmwilliams,
   
   I had only one child. I was able to concentrate on his upbringing without the distraction of other children. I come from a family with nine children and I was the second oldest, and the only girl for a long time until my little sister came along. I really didn't want to have chilldren when I was younger because I had changed so many diapers already, I had had enough. My son is now getting his Master's in architecture and he's 25-years-old. He is also a responsible husband and father.
   Lisa

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Total applause.We onlies are indeed highly responsible and conscientious people.I know many only children who are great people, spouses and parents.We onlies were allowed to explore and be children.As adults, we are ready to be adults with no regrets

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