Are only children usually more intelligent because of all the attention they get?

Question

Are you an only child, or do you know any? What experiences have you had as an only child?

Answer 1

I think it all depends on the child and enviroment they are in..Some children are smater than others due to exposure to classical books and music. Some are world travelers and that would make them more intelligent from exposure to the arts of the world.

Answer 2

I am not an only child but I know a lot of only children, some are dumb , some are snmart, I dont think intelligence has lots to do with attention, It has more to do with guided constructive learning and genetics. Some of the only children are actually spoilt and conceited due to all the frequent attentions they get.

Answer 3

Well, I've noticed a difference, but not necessarily in intelligence. And its probably more because the same amount of resources are all spent on just them, rather than spread amongst 2 or more kids. The trade off is they are usually spoiled brats from all the attention.

Answer 4

My nephew is 5 years old and an only child. He is in fact very intelligent for his age. He starts school this year, and he is already ahead of most kindergarteners. I wouldn't be surprised if they want to move him up a grade. But he is also very spoiled. He gets away with everything, which doesn't swing at my house and he don't like it.

Answer 5

well i am not an only child, but my x-friend is. she is an only child and likes EVERY piece of attention she gets. she likes to spend every penny of her parents wallet, and then whatever she buys she likes to show of and prove everyone better, and then never use the gift/object again. But this is all from past experience. if u have children, or are planning on having children, PLEASE have more than one child, for the sake of the child's friends.

Answer 6

Good question. I have two older brothers and I think that they increased my intelligence because I always felt like I had to measure up to them. Having a goal to shoot for and try to surpass made me work harder in school. Sometimes sibling rivalry can have unexpected side benefits.

I only know one person who is an only child and, God bless her, she ain't the brightest crayon in the box. Whether this is because she is an only child, I can't say.

Answer 7

Intellegence depends on a wide range of factors and can't be predicted by birth order.
Most kids are being raised at daycare centers these days anyway so it doesn't matter.
Parents can ignore an only child, just like they can ignore many children.
Your question is pointless.

Answer 8

I've learned more from having less attention but more questions answered without frustration coming from the ones answering, however, when it comes to animals like dogs this isn't the case, as the more attention you give them the better communication can be built up as well as understanding.

Put in the words a maintainance man once told me when I was a kid "If we don't ask questions how can we learn?".

Answer 9

It does depend on the type parents were, My mom was very intelligent but she didn't to socialize when I was born. My dad died when I was eight years old. He gave me alot attention for the two years before he died. He was in the Army and had retired.

LC

Answer 10

Only children appear more grown up because they have the majority of their interaction with adults.