? for only children or parents of only children

[DISshopkeeper]

Originally posted by Megan's Mom
I always wanted siblings. I would pick them out of the Sear catalog at Christmas for Santa to bring. I guess I never was very good because santa never brought me one.

DH was an only and insisted that we have more than one.

Really interesting thread.

 

[tiggerlover]

I am not an only (1 of 4) and DH is not an only (1 of 3), but my DS is an only (for medical reasons). Each of my sisters have 1 each too. DS only once when he was younger (he is 7-1/2 now) asked for a sibling, but not since. My neice who is 18 was visiting last year and I asked her how she felt being an only and she was quite happy about it. I can see where when an only grows up that he/she would feel stronger about being an only because I have to say it is nice to have brothers and sisters and I would feel lost without them. I truly wish I could have given my son a sibling, but it wasn't meant to be, so I treasure and try not to think about the future for him being an only. My hope is that he will marry someone who has siblings and that they will create their own family so he won't feel bad about being an only.

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by mcnuss
Lots of people ask me why we only had one, and I tell them we stopped having sex after she was born. That shuts people right up! (Sorry if I offended anyone out there.)

 

[cinmell]

Wow, thanks for all of your great responses! I only have one child now and she is 3. I'm not sure if we will have another so that's why I was curious about what "only's and parents of onlys" felt/thought.

 

[Rajah]

I'm an only, and most of the time I'm perfecly happy being one.

 

[LisaF]

I'm a 39 yo only - DH and I have 3 children. DD is 12, and DS's are 10. I always wished I had siblings growing up. Now that I'm older and my parents are getting up in years and beginning to experience failing health, I truly wish I had siblings to talk with. I have 2 great SILs that I count as sisters, but they're several hours away and can't help me with the parent situation. I have made a huge attempt in raising my 3 kids to make sure they understand that taking care of family and each other should always come first in their lives. They bicker, but do not have all out fights. This may seem harsh, but sometimes I remind them that when they are grown and I am gone, all they will have is each other. Treat each other with respect. All three are close and love each other dearly. Oldest twin is very much independent while youngest twin is happiest in a group situation. DD wants a sister, but that isn't going to happen God gave me twin boys - and I'm done.

On another note, I work in human resources. I can usually tell you who the only children are in the office environment. There are a few that surprise me, but usually, the "only child" employees are a little less giving in everyday give and take work situations. This is not always true, however I have seen it on many occasions. And I'm sure I was less "giving" in many situations when I was younger and had no children. It was all about me. For this reason, I strive to teach my children acceptance, and a happy medium to difficult situations. Don't be selfish, put yourself in that person's place.

Being an only child has many advantages, but as I get older, those self-serving advantages are less important to me. Family is what is most important now.

 

[Chattyaholic]

I'm an only, and always wished for a brother or sister but never got one. My mom lost twins a year before I was born, so I do believe I'll meet them one day in heaven though

Now that I'm older and see how some other families act, and hear about others that don't get along with their siblings, I guess being an only isn't so bad.