Whats it like to be an only child. Do you think it is better to have siblings or worse.?

Question

Ar all only children spoiled and/or selfish, or just lonely.

Answer 1

I am an only child. I wish I had siblings but my mom couldn't have any more children because of medical reasons. I guess being an only child is the reason I am a loner now.

Answer 2

I am an only child and personally I think it would be a bad surmise to conclude that we are automatically all spoiled and selfish and whatnot. I had several friends that were also the only child and they were not selfish, at least I wouldn't consider them selfish and not all of them were spoiled. Though I would consider myself spoiled as with other only children-who else do the parents have stuff to give to after all in this situation? And I would be speaking from ignorance, of course I don't have any siblings (by blood, half siblings or even step siblings) but I'd imagine it would be better to have someone else to grow up with.
This is where the lonely factor would come in. Being by yourself has its perks; I'd consider myself more independent than my counterparts simply because I was always alone and therefore had to do things alone most of the time, but I think it would be better nonetheless just to have that extra support and someone else ....just there besides only you.

Answer 3

I've been an only child--since 1929. I had lots of friends, but the only thing that I realized was that I never learned how to hold my own with peers. I was taught to never make waves with anyone. Had to go through a lot of therapy--but perhaps it would have been different nowadays, since childrearing is so much more relaxed now. As a 78 yr old, and my parents gone, I have no siblings with which to be with/share that closeness with/or to rely upon when I need support---other than what close friends can be counted upon. I have an only child--a daughter--who is wonderfully independent, bright and a go-getter! She is a terrific mother with her three little children--2, 4 and 12 yrs old. She's out-going; not selfish; and has worked her way through life!-- Social times and the economic times during the Great Depression really molded children. My grandchildren have so much MORE material things than I ever dreamed of--but they are not selfish, demanding and also have lots of friends. The only thing that I think DOES influence personality, is the sibling constellation! First and onlys tend to be "authority-oriented"; prefer structure and identify with authority figures; second and other younger sibs, as close as 3 yrs spacing, tend to be peer-oriented, less driven to achieve. Studies have said that they tend to go into entertainment, etc. Siblings with more than 3 yrs, can also be authority-oriented, works for good grades and wants to succeed. I think it pretty much depends upon the parents who won't hold the line and require responsibility or are irratic in their discipline and requirements.

Answer 4

I grew up with a girl next door that was an only child... and she drove me crazy because she was ALWAYS at my house. She was so lonley that she was over all the time just to have someone to talk to/play with. I did date a guy who was an only child and yes he was spoiled and selfish.

Answer 5

Me personally, I had a phase when I wanted mum to have another baby, something I regret, but luckily she didn't!! :D
I don't find it lonely, but sometimes independent, that I can stay home by myself and look after myself when my parents are away.
It does get boring sometimes, but that's why I have the internet and have learnt how to play Monopoly by myself...though Pictionary is a totally different situation!!
Hope that helps :)
Oh, and there's more pressure from your parents not to screw up in school since "You're the only one we have" -.-

Answer 6

I'm 15 and I have siblings that are 17,13,5,and 3. They get on my nerves sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Answer 7

sometimes they get resless well it depends how you raise them and how nice you are to them as long as they have friends they shoul be fine