When did you decide to be the parent of an only child? A few months after my son was born. I had terrible post partum depression which still makes me sad 5+ years later when I think about it. I never want to go through that again, and would not want to put my family and my son through it. I know there are meds that would help, and it may not be as bad, but I'm not taking any chances. And honestly, we're happy as a family of 3.
What is your favorite thing about being the parent of an only child?
The one-on-one time I get to spend with my son. I was one of 3 and there was never any individual time or attention in our family. My mom could never be class mom or chaperone a school trip for my class because she had babies at home. I don't ever remember sitting at the kitchen table doing homework with my parents without having to make it a "family project" and including everyone. My dad and my brother could never go throw a ball around at the park without us girls tagging along.
What is the hardest things about being the parent of an only child?
Honestly, I would have to say the complete rudeness I get from other people when I tell them I'm not having any more children. I would never dream of telling someone with 3 children that it's too many, so I don't know why they think it's OK to tell me that 1 is not enough.
Also, there are times when I just don't feel like playing with hot wheels cars, or Candyland, or something else that requires 2-4 players, so it's tough being my son's only playmate sometimes (until his dad gets home from work to take over
) But then I remember that if there were 2 or more kids, instead of the time I was spending playing with my son I would be playing referee between them or having to juggle someone's homework with someone else's karate class and make sure that the other one gets to boy scouts, etc. And that's when I take a deep breath, smile, and move my little gingerbread guy down gumdrop lane.
What is your favorite thing about Disney with an only child?
That we can go more often. Granted the hotel room price wouldn't change, but not having to spend another $225 on park tickets, $200 on a r/t flight plus and food and souvenirs means that we can budget to go more often. And it's easier to get ADR's for 3 people than it would be for 5. And we fit in most rides together. And we only need 1 hotel room. And there's no arguing about who gets to go on their favorite ride next. And we don't need to drag our son to any princess meals. And I never needed to rent a gigantic double stroller.
What is your least favorite thing about Disney with an only child?
No complaints. Any day in Disney is a good day.
I could of had more , but as an only child, I do find the dynamics of two very difficult to deal with at times. I don't understand the constant bickering, arguing, etc. I remember always wanting to have friends over, just to have someone my age to play with. I wish my children would realize how lucky they are to have each other. I do not regeret being an only and do not think that you should feel different or badly for your decision. Being an only child is a great thing and the bond you will develop over the years with your child will be truly amazing. Enjoy every minute of it.
Thank you for this.
Very often us "only" families are criticized for being selfish, not planning ahead, depriving our children, etc. It's very nice to hear something positive from someone that's been there.
It usually seems like one child has to carry the burden in most families, so unfortunately I've decided for my daughter who it's going to be.
My mom has cancer. There are 3 of us. My brother is useless, and my sister does what she can from across the country. Just because someone has siblings it doesn't mean that they will be sharing any burden.
I have an only DD who just turned 9 in september. I originally wanted 2 kids, but after DD was born I had bad Post Partum Depresion. By the time i got over it and got my life back together my DD was 4 years old and I wasn't sure i wanted to go through it again. I kept putting it off till I now know she will be an only. I still get lots of preasure from some friends to have another but i stand firm.
I suffered from that as well, so I know how terrible and life-changing it can be. Glad we are both feeling better!
I'm happy to see there's so many of us !
Maybe we should organize an only's family cruise.
I'm in.
People assume that only children will be undisciplined, spoiled, selfish, or bossy because they have no siblings. But...I've NEVER seen Supernanny or Nanny 911 at homes where there was only 1 child.
So I think we're all doing a pretty good job!
I also loved her having all my attention--I missed out on that as a kid, too. I was a middle so I didn't get much attention at all. She and I are incredibly close.
She's always been one to entertain herself and likes alone time.
There are ao many things I love about it, I could go on and on!
