When I was younger I never really thought about what it would be like to have siblings until I was around the age of five. In my case growing up, I had three Cocker Spaniels that basically filled that role. It wasn't until I reached elementary school, that I started to encounter remarks that would stereotype me in a negative way, on how I was an only child. I'm writing this post mostly to enlighten those who are not only children to understand what it is really like being an only child.
I'm an only child, but I don't always get what I want.
I will admit, if I ask my parents for something, I tend to usually get it. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes my parents make me work or wait for something that I really want. The sole reason it seems that my parents tend to splurge on me more than the average child IS because I'm the only child. They don't have to worry about providing for anyone else but me. If I had two or three or however many more siblings, I can guarantee you my options for material things would be very limited.
I'm an only child, but that doesn't make me anti-social.
People tend to think that because only children tend to be alone a lot, they will lack the social skills that you apparently gain by having siblings in your business all the time. Trust me, I lived in silent lunch (yes, this is a thing) for years growing up for talking and socializing too much in class. It didn't really bother me too much, because I would just talk to the other kids sitting at the silent lunch table with me.
I'm an only child, but I am not spoiled, selfish, or bratty.
Okay so maybe saying I'm not "spoiled" is a little bit of a stretch, but I think you all know what I'm getting at. Even those with siblings are spoiled, because any loving parent will want what is best for their child. As for the selfish and bratty part, I know for a fact I do NOT fit any of those categories. My parents taught me to give back, respect others, and to be loving and accepting. Last time I checked, that's the complete opposite of what people stereotype me to be.
I'm an only child, but I do not have to have my way all the time.
I have been blamed for being "bitchy" at times because I "didn't get my way" but PEOPLE COME ON that is just me being human. In fact, those who have siblings from my experience tend to get more upset than I do if they do not get their way. I knew this one girl my freshman year who had one or two siblings and she would ruin a night of fun if the plans did not go her way. I guess it's because those with siblings always have to fight for what they want, but that's just my opinion.
I'm not anti-sibling or pro-only have one child (although I'm obviously a little biased to the idea of having one child). When I was younger I would cry myself to sleep and beg for my parents to bring home another baby... but I am SO glad they didn't get me what I wanted. Being an only child has been amazing and lonely at times, but I couldn't imagine my life any other way.
