How do you think your child's lives have been shaped by having a sibling...or not having one?

Question

We are debating the "1 or 2 kids" question and this is one of the issues.

Answer 1

My sister is the best friend I've ever had. I can't imagine my life without her. I love her with all my heart, and she understands me like no one else ever will. We've been through things together, only a sibling can understand. I would never deprive my kids that pleasure of having a sibling. If you can, have another child, give your child a sibling. They will have someone to share all their lives with. Good luck!!

Answer 2

I have a 4 year old & a 2 year old. I think things are better since we had our second child. When I am occupied with other things, my oldest has a friend to spend time with. Before while I was cleaning, working, etc ... he would have to play alone. It's also wonderful when we go to the park because if other children don't happen to be there he has his brother. He's also learned valuable lessons such as sharing. I also have a sister and I can't imagine not having her. My mother is dying of ALS and if I didn't have my sister to relate to I don't know what I'd do. And when my mother does pass away I will not be alone. I will still have my sister & the little nephew she has given me. Thats another perk. If you don't have a sibling, when you have kids, they won't have cousins. Well ... unless whoever you marry had a brother or sister. Also, when you get older and go to amusement parks or places like that, if you don't have a kid sis or brother to come with you, you're going to ride most of the rides alone. Its just little things like that. I'm greatful for my two boys & they really love each other. It's nice to know they'll have someone to walk home from school with & maybe help keep an extra eye out "You aren't suppose to do that, I'm telling mom." : )

Answer 3

Contrary to popular belief, only children do not always grow up to be brats. I know many who are quite wonderful people. They usually have a very close friend or cousin that they treat like a sibling. However, when you are older and facing health problems/dying, it can be difficult for an only child. They won't have a sibling to completely understand what they're going through. I have one sister and I can't imagine what I would do without her. My parents are controlling and crazy. I would have never become the person I am without her. If you can have a second child, I would recommend it. Not because an only child will be a brat (because if you raise it right it will be a good person) but because the support system is important.

Answer 4

My brother and I are only 14 months apart. As young children we HATED each other. by high school we were covering for each other and sharing friends. Now, whenever I'm home we go out together, we went to las vegas for a week together and had a ball, it's great. I wouldn't trade him for anything, and that's why I want to have my 2 kids close together. The idea of one kid was never really even considered with us, we thought 1 would get lonely. My cousin was an only child and she would constantly ask for another brother or sister, now she's a mom and the first thing she said is she's definitely having more than 1 because she hated being an only child.

Answer 5

I don't know...I guess I have a differing opinion than most people on here. I know many people automatically think only = spoiled, but I don't think that's always true. It just depends on how they are raised, etc. I don't have kids of my own, but I do have a younger brother (5 years apart). When I was little I remember being very resentful of him, and we did not get along. As we got older, of course these feelings dissipated, and I know now that nothing was ever his fault - but we are still not really close at all. We don't dislike each other or anything like that, we're just not close. Maybe it has to do with the age gap and the gender difference, but I think you can raise a completely healthy (mentally & emotionally) only child, and I don't really believe that kids "need" siblings.

Answer 6

I have 2 children. Boy and a Girl. They are 15months and a day apart. At first it was really rough because my first born was only 15 months old when I had my daughter. But eventually my daughter got a little older and they were old enough to start enjoying each other. They are now 2 and 3 1/2 and they are like twins now! They act the same, talk the same, look the same. It is a lot of fun. My daughter is really smart for her age from learning from her bigger brother. She is only 2 but she says EVERYTHING. Knows her alphabet, counts (and in Spanish), just from learning from her big brother. I would recommend having 2, its great!

Answer 7

Most kids that are an only child will tell you they wished they had a sibling to grow up with. Think about your kid after you and your spouse are gone.. Who will they have? It's better for humans to walk the world in twos. If you're gonna have one, you need to have two.

Answer 8

if you can afford to have more than one child I would go for it, the first child can always benefit from having a sibling, they will always have a playmate-friend, someone to talk to someone to get in to trouble with, someone to learn from, well you get my drift, I come from a family of four children I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my sister and my brothers, I think I would be pretty bored. I have two children you can't take one somewhere without taking the other they are very bonded. Its up to you but I would definitly considering having atleast two.

Answer 9

I am pregnant with my 4th kid. I know. All i wanted was 2. but we we had 1 son, then we had twins. Well i think it's better for kids to grow up with siblings because they will get along better with other kids, and they wont feel left out or anything. They will have someone to talk to.

Answer 10

well my cousin is an only child and she is a spoiled little thing!! she tiold me she wants a brother or sister. my hubby has 4 brothers and sisters and they are all very close. i have 1 brother and 4 sisters. but we are far apart in age. my oldest brother is 29. my oldest sister is 26 im 20. my other sisters are 14, 11 and 7. were not all close. i think if your gonna have more than 1 child make sure they are somewhat close in age. i wish i had a sister closer to my age.