Is a child without any siblings an unhappy child?

Question

i don't plan to have more than one child, due to cost and time. Should i have two, so the other one won't get lonely when away from their friends

Answer 1

My sister and i fought like cat and dog as kids but we love each other dearly. we are now in our 30's and live in neighbouring streets - she is truly my best frind and i thank god that if anything should happen to my parents i will always have my sister to share the bad times with me - i'm so thankful i was not an only child and for this reason i did have a second child

Answer 2

I was an only child, and although there are benefits of having more than one child as opposed to having only one, I think myself, that I had an excellent childhood. I never wanted for attention or felt lonely. Besides, when your child is at home from school, you'll probably want to cherish that time together. And if your child is not school age yet, try joining a mommy and me class or something like it in your community to meet other new moms and friends for your child. I had friends throughout my school years, and although it was a fun time, the fondest memories I have are spending time with my family members. Also if your time is consumed with work, daycare can be a good way for your child to meet new friends at an early age. But it all comes down to using your best judgment. Especially if you are on a limited income. I know money can't buy happiness or love, but it sure makes it a little easier when mommie isn't stressed out even more due to other needed expenses like having another child will take. So, if it is truly what you want, and in your heart you want another child to care for and love, go ahead. Children, I think, make the world go 'round. I hope this helps. ; )

Answer 3

I don't think an only child is unhappy child, but I think in future years they would probably want a sibling to share things with - not just material things but the emotional side of life too. I would not like to have been without my sisters. We weren't too close growing up but we are great pals now we're all older and a crutch for each other while our parents are ill.

I know this is not the case for everyone, but the only children I have known have grown up to be very confident and very 'see me' adults, as they have been used to almost 100% attention all their life, but I am sure that is a parenting problem as much as anything! It all depends on the emphasis put on them.

One of my sisters has only 1 child and I can see the 'spoilt child syndrome' appearing, and I think my niece would have very much benefited from a sibling, but it's not to be for their own personal reasons.

On the up side - they can afford holidays I can only dream off or can take off on a whim as my niece is at a good age, whereas I have to wait till all the children can fully appreciate foreign holidays etc!

You will make the right decision for yourself, I am sure.

Answer 4

just because siblings are there when friends are not does not mean that you child will be lonely! there are loads of familes that break up and so are they lonely? not always as they have friends! friends are the chosen family. but it is love that keeps people feeling happy and not alone. i have 2 sisters and a large family and it is great! but that is because thats the way we want it... we want to be close and together! if you are all happy then whats the matter?! my nan was an only child and she says that the only reason she had 2 children was because she did not have anyone to argue with who would still love you after, the way she read in story books! she did feel alone, but i have friends who are only children and are fine. it is your call at the end of the day!x but to have another child for any other reason other than because you want one, is not on. so think wisely!

Answer 5

A child without any siblings isn't necessarily an unhappy child. It will depend on how the parents treat him. If he is being showered with love and understanding and given quality time,he will enjoy his life. I have only one child and when I ask her if she wants a sibling, she always disagrees. The only child won't get lonely when away from friends because he learns to adjust and amuse himself.

Answer 6

I know plenty of siblings that don't get on. I have two brothers I get on with fine now but as kids we didn't hang out together and we fought a fair amount. I often felt quite lonely as a child but I think that was just my personality and I don't believe being an only child would have been worse or better.

Answer 7

This is something I'd also been thinking about. I was brought up as an only child and am trying for my first baby; I plan on having 2 so they have companionship. Because I had no experience of being with other kids, I could not miss it but I did feel lonely.

Answer 8

They say an only child is a lonely child but at the end of the day its all down to the child i have 2 children close in age and i would never ever do that again they fight like cat and dog i have just had my last child.So i suppose my last baby will be like an only child.

Answer 9

i think just to be in the safe side, i would have 2 children. i myself could not imagine how it would be like to be an only child. i would always wonder what it would be like to have a sibling if i was an only child. i was only planning to have one as well. when my daughter was 5, she begged and begged for a sibling, so i gave in. money is always an issue and it seems its never the rite time, just have your second and everything will fall in place, you'll see. one day i will not be here anymore. i will be more comforted knowing i had 2 and hope they will become friends in the future. if not, its there problem, but will feel i made the rite choice. if you are a single parent, i would recommend only one child, but if your married and things are okay, why not, try for another.

Answer 10

I know exactly how you feel. On the one hand I'd like to have more but on the other I don't think I could cope and then everyone would be miserable.

My son is quite happy on his own, he has cousins he is close to and plenty of friends. There is no need for only children to be lonely children, you just may have to invite a friend on holiday with you when your child is older.

Just make sure you don't spoil your child because you think they're missing out, and don't feel guilty about not wanting more!

Answer 11

I would have to say that the 1 child scenario adds to the spoilness of the 1 individual and they are seem to be very rude and uptight children growing up thinking they should have everything. I have 2 children 1 boy, 1 girl and they have a very good bond together and have many friends as well. The loniless that a 1 child family can have is only magnified by the attitudes of pompousness....I would say to consider this 1 child option with great thought...you might mean well but the surroundings and the sole awareness of the one child usually wins in the long run...even with allot of Love and nuturing it can be a disaster.......Good Luck and God Bless!!