All For One & One For All
Only child have a reputation for being spoiled, selfish, and anti-social, but "only child" syndrome is likely nothing more than a myth. What nobody can deny, however, is that only children have a vastly different experience of growing up that their peers with siblings. Neither one is good or bad, they're just different.
1. No Guinea Pig
Something that most older siblings resent is being a guinea pig for their parents' child-rearing. Only children are guinea pigs by default without any do-overs. There's no test-driving raising an only child.
2. Difficulty Making Friends
This isn't to say that all only children are socially awkward introverts. Rather, one benefit of siblings is having built-in friends, which makes branching outside of the family a much easier transition. Only children may have difficulty making new friends as they start school.
3. Outnumbered By Adults
Unless they're raised by a single parent (and, even then, there are likely to be other adults every now and then) an only child will be outnumbered by adults. Sure, cousins may come over for holidays, but it isn't the same as having someone your age to spend time with. Only children are also more likely to be brought along to events with their parents, where they're even more outnumbered.
4. Helicopter Parents
It's normal for parents to be protective of their children, but sometimes parents can take it a little too far, especially if they only have one kid to worry about. Helicopter may reassure the parents that their child is safe and secure, but it can have serious consequences for the child. Children of helicopter parents may struggle with emotional regulation and autonomy.
5. Spoiled Potential
Not every only child is spoiled, but only children have a higher potential for being spoiled. If only children are spoiled, it's because their parents find it impossible to say no. At best, the child will have a rude awakening when they go off on their own; at worst, it may develop into Little Emperor Syndrome.
6. Echo Chamber
Being an only child is like living in an echo chamber. Siblings, especially when you're kids, will gleefully call out behavior they find silly, stupid, or selfish. Only children don't have that point of reference and parents may be more willing to encourage their child.
7. No Sibling Comparisons
One of the worst parts of having siblings is being constantly compared to them. So, how is this a con for only children? Well, without siblings to compare their children too, critical parents will cast their net further to the child's friends or classmates, which makes things uncomfortable for everyone involved.
8. Added Pressure
Raising an only child means that parents only have one shot at however they define "success". This can lead to parents putting extreme amounts of pressure on their child to achieve great things. Children under pressure often develop into anxious adults plagued by responsibility.
9. Full Responsibility
This point is a double edged sword. Not only will only children have to take on more chores than siblings, but they have nobody to point a finger at when they don't want to be blamed for accidents. We suppose you can always blame the dog, if you have one.
10. Loneliness
One is the loneliest number, and only children are all-too-ready to confirm it. As much as people with siblings love complaining about how annoying they are, the truth is that they don't realize how lucky they are to have constant companions.
Now That we've discussed some of the cons of being an only child, let's get into some pros.
1. Independence
Only children tend to learn independence early, making decisions themselves and solving problems on their own. This independence also means that only children are great at entertaining themselves from a young age. This independence can lead for a smooth transition from childhood to adulthood.
2. Favoritism
You can't have a favorite child if you only have one. Only children never have to worry about other siblings getting more attention and affection when they're the favorite by default. This also means that they won't have to worry about unnecessary competition.
3. Peace & Quiet
Houses with multiple kids can be loud, especially if the kids don't always get along. While it can be difficult to escape sparring siblings, only children can enjoy the peace and quiet of a calmer environment. Growing up in a relaxing home can make a child better adjusted.
4. Parent-Child Bond
Adult only children tend to be closer to their parents than those with siblings. Especially as they age and their parents begin to see them as a peer. Additionally, the bonds between parents and only children are likely to stay strong as time goes on, while siblings may harbor resentment.
5. No Fighting
People with siblings will likely take umbrage with this point as it means that only children have no means of getting their aggression out, or that fighting with siblings builds character. But we'd take repressed anger over sticky-handed slap fights any day. Of course, this also means that only children don't know how to fight if needed, both verbally and physically.
6. Cheaper For Parents
We don't mean to be pessimistic, but having children really is an economic decision. The more children you have, the more money you spend on them, and the more money must be equally divided. As the cost of raising a child grows higher and higher, having an only child is more responsible economically.
7. Personal Space
Only children don't have to share rooms, nor do they have to deal with their personal bubble being invaded whenever their siblings are bored. This also means that personal property is truly personal. No need to hide snacks, clothes, or prized possessions from greedy siblings.
8. Personalized Childhood
Growing up with siblings means having to compromise; you generally go to the same summer camp as your siblings, and family vacations have to be tailored to fit a variety of interests. Only children don't have to compromise their experiences to make their siblings happy. Additionally, parents may take greater interest in their child's likes and hobbies to accommodate them.
9. Comfortable With Adults
Because many older children spend a great deal of time with adults, they grow quickly grow comfortable with adults. Only children are more likely to be included in discussions with adults and treated with a sense of maturity. Whether they're actually mature is a different story.
10. No Hand-Me Downs
Unless you're particularly close with your cousins or similar in size to your parents, only children don't have to worry about hand-me-downs. This means an all-new first day of school outfit every year and no second-hand formal attire by the time high school comes around.
