About thirty years ago, the world was full of multi-children families; only children found themselves in the minority without siblings. According to Beth Apone Salamon, there are now over 20 million only children in the United States. When I was little, I hated being an only child. I always felt left out when my friends talked about their siblings, and I always begged my mom for a little brother or sister. Obviously, that wasn’t going to happen - she was a single mom struggling to support me - but I kept hoping. Throughout my childhood and adolescent years, I saw my lack of siblings as a curse: I never had anyone to play with, I felt left out, I’d never be an aunt, I had to do all the chores myself. But looking back, I learned a lot from being an only child.
I learned to accept responsibility for my wrong-doings (and to do it graciously)
When I was little and I broke something, I couldn’t pass the blame off to my siblings; I had to take the blame and serve my punishment graciously and without a fight. This resonates with me to this day: when I do something wrong or make a mistake, I can own up to it rather than trying to pass the blame off on my co-workers, family members, or friends. And when my punishment comes down, I serve it and get over it rather than putting up a fight.
I learned to do things in a timely manner
If the floor at home was dirty and my mom was at work, it was up to me to sweep it or it wouldn’t get done. I didn’t have the luxury of pawning it off on my siblings or waiting for them to do it; I did it and then went about my business. This has made my work ethic a lot stronger than my peers’ and allows me to get more done in a smaller amount of time.
I learned to do my laundry
A lot of my friends still live at home and literally do not know how to run a washing machine or dryer. I’ve been doing my laundry since I was eight years old. Thanks for allowing me to be light years ahead of my peers, mom.
I learned to appreciate books
When I say I would read twelve books every summer, I am not lying. I didn't have much else to do, so I started reading. And reading. And reading. Work takes up more of my time now and I don’t have as much time to dedicate to reading, but I’m an English major and I love my field. Had I been busy playing with my siblings (if I had them), I might not have spent my childhood with my nose buried in a book.
I learned to be independent
Not once in my 23 years of life have I expected someone to do something for me. I had to handle my own issues as a child, and I still do. I don’t rely on someone to tell me how to cook or clean or act or dress; I am perfectly capable of doing most things on my own. If I don’t know how to do something, I find a way or teach myself.
What I used to see as a curse has become one of the bigger blessings of my lifetime, and I’m thankful for all the knowledge I’ve gained.
And, in case you're wondering, I'm only kind of a spoiled brat.
