Thankfully, the old stereotypes of only children being lonely, bored and spoilt are beginning to disappear. Today, in many cultures, having an only child is more common as both parents are more likely to work and families may not have the finances to support more than one child. There’s no reason why a one-child family can’t be filled with as much fun and happiness as a family with two, three, or more children.
There are many benefits to having just one child. In particular, as parents you will have more time and money to enjoy spending quality time as a family. There is no need to feel guilty about not giving your child a sibling. Many studies have shown that only children are happier and often feel more secure than children with brothers and sisters who may feel threatened by sibling relationships.
Do childlike things
You might think you’ve been let off the hook when it comes to kids’ activities if you only have one child. After all, it’s easier to get them to fit in with your own life, taking them on errands with you, or enjoying grown-up activities. But don’t let this mean you miss out on the highlights of childhood. Trips to the beach, kids’ films at the cinema, and fairgrounds are all great activities for kids and adults alike.
Find friendship groups
While you might be very happy spending time together just the three of you, it’s still beneficial for your child to form strong relationships with other children outside of school. Meet up with other families, or find hobbies or activities that will bring your child into contact with other kids.
Avoid pressure
While you might be eager to help your only child find new friends, avoid pressurising them to make new relationships. You can’t dictate who your child should be friends with so let things happen naturally. And remember that it’s normal for any child to want to spend some of their time alone. Don’t panic if your child enjoys their own company – it’s a sign of resilience, not a sign of loneliness.
Instil confidence
Never let an only child think there is something unusual or negative about being an only. They are likely to hear from school friends that they are lucky not to have brothers or sisters, so support this by showing them the benefits of growing up without sibling rivalries or the chaos of a large family. Don’t ask them if they wish they had brothers or sisters – it’s a difficult question to answer, as they don’t know any different. Asking will only make them wonder if they are missing out on something.
Prepare for the future
While a childhood as an only one can be a wonderful experience, many parents worry about what will happen as their only child enters adulthood. In particular, it’s natural to be concerned about whether your child will feel alone if they have to care for you as you get older. Put things in place to help plan for the future so that your child has support. This could include setting up a saving scheme to pay for any future care needs or making a will to give your child security in the future.