Top 5 Best Things about Being an Only Child

When most toddlers, kids and teens were staring at their feet and mumbling, overwhelmed by the pressure of talking to bonafide grown-ups… an only child is as cool, calm and collected as can be. Why? Because kickin’ it with adults is kinda their thing. An only child has as many arranged playdates and group activities as the next, but realistically, time with other kids is the exception rather than the rule. Plus, onlys often hone in a wicked mature sense of conversation at a young age. With your parents and their adult friends serving as your regular company, adults never became intimidating “others” - they were just people. No kids’ table for you… you held your own with the grown-ups.

When it comes out that someone is an only child, people tend to react with sympathy - as if their lack of siblings left them deprived. Would it have been nice to have a playmate on hand at all times? Sure. But as with anything else… scarcity cultivates appreciation. As an only child, chances are that the friends you made just meant that much more to you. Without brothers or sisters, there was room in your heart to extend the same level of affection, care and attachment to people you weren’t related to. As an added bonus, your parents probably half-adopted your best friend in the process, making them truly feel welcome and part of the family.

Do siblings keep things interesting? Definitely. But in their absence, a child learns to entertain themselves, and develop a relationship with an ally that will go on to help them for the rest of their lives - imagination. As an only child, maybe you crafted a well-developed imaginary friend. Maybe you embarked on solo adventures in the fantastical world of your mind. Or maybe you wrote fun, clever short stories, or dreamed up plays or zany movie ideas. However you did it, you learned to create your own fun in the absence of company.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by solitude? Have you ever adopted a cat because your significant other went away for the weekend and you just couldn’t handle being the only living creature in the apartment? … well, you probably weren't an only child. With siblings… “alone time” can prove a rare commodity. As a result, when finally exposed to a solitary life, many can find the experience utterly crushing. As an only child, you likely got plenty of alone time, and so it doesn’t feel strange or isolating. Furthermore, without siblings, you’re probably quite competent at operating solo, whether it’s making decisions or taking care of yourself.

Anyone who grew up with siblings knows that while learning to share is an important life lesson, having to share everything can get seriously frustrating. As an only child, chances are you were happy to share with your friends when they came over, be it your toys, clothing or treats. Because for you, scarcity wasn’t an issue. You didn’t have to defend your Halloween candy from your siblings, so… of course you were willing to pass it around when entertaining. Also, can we talk about the backseat of the car? There are some things that no one wants to share… and that’s okay!