re: Is being an only child a disadvantage?

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In what possible way would it be a disadvantage?

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You don't learn to forgive regularly because your sister or brother slapped you, broke your toy, etc.

You also don't have to share regularly.

If something annoys you, run away. With annoying siblings, they follow you and keep annoying you. So patience can be deficient.

Just some statements my mom has made through her life as an only child.

Wife and I were both only children. We do ok.

Whichever one I am, I feel there is something wrong with the opposite. That's my answer for everything.

I don't think stigma is the right word. If there is a stigma, it's not the person's fault they are an only child.

I have been around a few people that were only childs. I didn't like any of them. Siblings always seem to keep each other in check one way or another. Only childs are just sort of lost in society. It's not necessarily a bad thing. They are just lost.

right . wouldn't u

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I can understand where you're coming from, and on paper it makes sense.

But it's not like as an only child you are chained in your room 24/7...you still go to preschool, have friends from the neighborhood, play sports, etc. You learn to forgive, share, ignore, interact, etc with others your age just as you would with a sibling, you just don't do it within the confines of your home.

And again, parenting is a major influence. If your parents teach you these things early on you'll probably be alright.

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You sir, are in denial.

LIKE ALL STEREOTYPES --- the VAST MAJORITY are true.

I am an only child and although I was not spoiled with toys, time, or material goods, I am still relatively selfish ---- all things being considered.

I watch as my three little ones deal with situations CONSTANTLY that I never had to. Sharing toys, WAITING turns, having to SACRIFICE time - watching their siblings in sports and activities. Being forced to do things they don't want to do, or have no interest in.......How often does this happen to only children?


3 kids versus 2 parents means a lot less individual time per kid ---- ETC ETC.

Again, you are in denial. You more than likely suffer from a few if not many of the typical traits of only children. If you do not, well then good for you, but it certainly doesn't change the stereotypes.

I put it this way - I wouldn't be nearly as cool as I am if not for my older brother to guide the way and show me how not to be a loser.

I think its a disadvantage in some cases.

My brother died quite young.

With him gone, I only had two sisters, and the older of the two was nearly 5 years younger than I.

My dad was a pilot with experience in China and WWII. He was drafted for Korea.
From then on, he stayed in, and we moved a lot compared to the townspeople I got to know. I think it would have been a lot easier with a brother close to my age.
We moved 5 times, beginning with the 2nd grade, and one happened in Feb of soph year- off to nuclear bomber school.