Do you have brothers or sisters?

Question

My husband & I have a 1 year old daugther and we are quite happy with our family being just the 3 of us, however my husband thinks that our 1 year old will miss out later in life when she is grown up if she doesn't have any siblings. I disagree as so many people I know have relationship problems with their brothers/sisters (mainly jealousy) that I think she will be much better on her own, we can afford to give her a better start later in life, we can devote more time to just her etc. I am an only child and feel that my "special" friends that I have made in my life are closer to me and more likely to be there for me in life than his brother and sister are.

I would love to know if you have brothers or sisters and whether you get on with them or not to help me try and decide.

Answer 1

I have siblings, 2 brothers whom I love dearly. It's nice to have someone I can go to and ask for advice, or if they make me mad, I can yell at them and they will still love me no matter what. We have a bond that is unbreakable and I can't imagine my life without them. More importantly I am a Mother of 4, and my children are very close in age. I couldn't imagine having only one child, I know they can get all the attention and it is easier financially, but from my experience, it's easier to raise multiple children, because they always have someone to play with. My middle children were so close when they were toddlers, they had their own language. Makes me tear up just thinking about it.

The decision of having another child needs to be shared by you both. Don't have another baby if YOU don't want to. I know lots of people, like yourself, who are only children and life worked out just fine for them. I just wanted to give my children each other so they could always have someone to lean on! Good Luck!! Always remember to FOLLOW YOUR HEART!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

I have 2 brothers and 2 sister; I am the youngest. I don't feel close to any of the really except for one of my brothers who is 11 years older than I. I don't feel close to them because of the ages differences. Actually, I felt like an only child because everyone got married and left the house. My oldest brother and I are 18 years apart and me and my sister before me are 7 years apart. I think if I had a sister or brother who was 2-3 years older or younger than me, there would be a connection. There is 2 years difference between my two children (9 and 11) and I think they have a close relationship that will carry on for a long time.

Answer 3

Proved by MANY studies the closest relationship a person will ever build is with a sibling. I cherish the relationship me and my older brother have. He is four years older than me, but we are close enough in age to have went through the same things. I am so grateful for him. I always had somebody to play with on rainy days, somebody to share Christmas with besides generation family. We are the best of friends, we do practically everything together.

I think it is an excellent experience. If your daughter is an only child I think an only child becomes more self centered. They never really know what it is like to share, there is a difference between sharing at school and in public compared to sharing in your own house.

My cousin was 3 when he had a little sister. It was a bit hard for him to adjust because he was so used to being the only child. But if you see them, they are inseperable. I believe having a sibling is the absolute best thing. Maybe not at the moment due to financial situations, but later on. You can't go wrong.
And Jealousy only exists when there is hate...and I am pretty sure your not raising your little girl to hate.

Answer 4

I have five brothers and four sisters. Without them my life would be empty. They are my best friends. I have met people that are an only child and they have always said how they wish they had a brother or sister. they lose out because they don't learn to share and get grumpy when they have to.

I wouldn't change my brothers and sisters for the world. We've had our fights, but we were brought up with the words "fight in doors as much as you want, but when you go out there, you stick together".. Dad was saying that just because we're mad at each other doesn't mean we let another beat that sibling up to get back at them.

I've learned to cook big meals (laugh), see different points of view, share what I have and be thankful for what I receive.

Answer 5

I have a sister (3 years older)
When we younger and living with parents, we used to fight like cat and dog (As kids normally do) But now we get on so well, We always look out for each other and when we go out we are just like best mates. But then I have a brother too (7years older) when we were younger, we got on very well together and now we have very little contact (cant say we are the best of friends)

I am in the same position as you now. I have a little boy (2 years old)
And the 3 of us are so happy. I like to think we would have another baby in a few years time as I think it would be lovely for my boy to have a brother or sister.
But you really can't tell if they will have a good relationship.
Even though I don't get on too good with my brother now, I personally think it would be great for a child to have a brother or sister.

Answer 6

I have 2 older sisters and 3 older brothers, and although we bug each other at times i wouldn't be without them.
I have very good friends but my sister is my best friend in the world and the one person i can rely on 100% no matter what.
I couldn't imagine not having them around, they pick up me when im feeling down and vice versa and even more so over the last couple of months since we lost our mum.
One of my friends is an only child and hated it growing up as her mum/dad smothered her, wrapped her up in cotton wool and were over protective of her, she spent more time at my house than she did at her own home.
There is no right or wrong in this situation, you and your husband just need to do whats best for all of you as a family!

Answer 7

Yes I have a sister, and when we were younger we never got on but as adults we are now friends, I can understand what you mean as I have a 5 year old son, but have just found out that I am pregnant, I am really please but I do feel loads of guilt toward my little boy because things will change, but hopefully things will be fine, I do not have any family expect my sister, so having a sibling for my little boy is important as that will be the only other family he has apart from his aunt.

Answer 8

I have 2 brothers and we're getting on very well. Especially now that we're all adults. When I was a kid my big brother (7 yrs older ) was very bossy and we were always fighting.
I had the same question after my first child was born and we decided to have a second child. I think we are a much balanced family now!!
But don't worry, there is no right and wrong decision here ;-p

Answer 9

i have 5 sisters n one brother, and for all we fought we are all glad we had each other o turn to as we grew up, i also have a seven year old n 7 month old, at first i did,nt want any more kids then i found my son just didp;nt know how to interat with other kids as he did;nt have brothers or sisters so made the choice to have another, now he loves being a big bro it;s the best i ever did. remember its not all about how much in gifts or money u can give a child it;s the love, go for it, plus it;s fun trying

Answer 10

i feel fortunate to have several brothers and sisters and feel that they have enhanced my life, it wasn't always easy growing up but the jealousy thing that does exist in sibling rivalry diminishes over the years and you are all left with a warm glow towards each other, i made the mistake in my adult life of having just one child and now he is older he often asks why we didn't have anymore children as he felt jealous of his friends for having siblings, it is never an easy question to answer but its your heart that should dictate and not your head with matters such as finance and giving time to her, leave a gap to concentrate on your daughter and give her your special time then you will both know when the time is right to have another little one, above all be happy and good luck