I am an only child.
Growing up people would often look at me like the victim of an offensive crime. As if my parents deciding to only have one child, reflected negatively on them as parents and people. As if the looks of disdain, directed at me – at an age when I was barely even responsible for having a firm grasp on the ABC’s – was in any light justified. As if something were genuinely wrong with my family – with me – for being a part of a small family.
Just about two decades later, I am about to turn 24 – and am firmly planted in the heart of my twenties. The differences were oftentimes obvious between those who were only children, and those that had siblings. In grade school, it would reflect poorly – because it often meant poor social skills, or awkwardness as only children entered their first social settings.
As time went on though, some stereotypes would vanish – while others would become more predominant. In truth, the benefits of being an only child actually outgrew the stigmas attached to being an only child.
I have friends that have siblings, successful ones at that. And, this is not written to take a shot at those who either have siblings, or are parents to multiple children. This is simply in defense of those who have only one child (whether it was by choice or not) and to remind everyone that there will always be plenty of benefits to being an only child, especially when adulthood comes around.
1. We’re not weird or anti-social. The truth is that since we were only children we were exposed to the ridiculousness of our peers a healthy amount less than our counterparts with siblings. Take a peak around the internet, or social media. People can’t get enough of passing judgment onto others. We just got an early start. And the motives of a 4-8 year old are a hell of a lot less malicious than that of twenty-something’s, and above that can’t stop or help themselves anytime someone says something that they dare not agree with 100%.
2. We were never spoiled. We may have been afforded a few, and I mean, very few additional opportunities that those with siblings didn’t receive. And that couldn’t have less to do with being an only child. The opportunities you’re given as a child, or material things that you’re given as a child – are a reflection of your parent’s economic position. If they can provide for their kids, whether they have one, or fifty – they’re going to provide to the best of their ability and give them everything they possibly can. So, let’s not relegate only children to being spoiled, entitled, minions of the upper 2%. I’m fairly confident that being just a little bit entitled is characteristic number one, of good ole Generation-Y.