I feel badly for your son - I have three siblings and they are the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Brothers and sisters are with you for most of your childhood and they share the same parents so they understand you like no one else.

Don't let financial issues limit you from having another kid - there are always ways to make ends meet.

I think Situation is way off the mark.
Why do you feel badly for a happy young boy with loving parents?
It is great that you are best friends with your sibs.
Why would you think that multiple sibs is some kind of prerequisite for happiness.
I would seriously doubt that there are families with multiple children where the sibs haven't run into some kind of conflict.
I applaud the family who is actually thinking about the financial feasability of raising another child. Yes, one can always "make ends meet" but there also is reality to worry about. Second jobs are not plentiful right now. For all the extra hours one spends working to make ends meet, those are hours that are NOT spent with the family they love so much.

I agree with Barbara's advice. I am an only child. My daughter has an only child and plans to have no more children also for financial reasons. My son has an only child and plans on not having anymore either. My cousin is an only child with an only child of her own. I was the only one in the family who had two children. My children aren't close. My daughter is closer to her cousin that she is to her brother. I am very close to my cousin. You do find people to be close to without having siblings. I think financial reason is a good reason not to have more children. My granddaughter will have an excellent private school education. They live in an area where the public school system is lousy and they are able to afford to send her to a good school. They would not be able to do that with more children. Only children manage just find without siblings.

Only children end up having a hard time adjusting in college and in the workplace, at least that's been my observation. I've always observed that the only children I had as classmates and roommates in college were always pretty selfish and not willing to share. As a professional now, that same behavior resonates with my 20/30something coworkers who are only children. Perhaps I'm being really biased but its just my opinion. I am 30 with two younger sisters and as any siblings do we fought all the time but are great friends as adults. And not to bring up a dark topic, but eventually children will need to help take care of the parents as they age. If you become sick, or one parent outlives the other one, there will be more people to help out with housing, health, family (money?) issues down the line. Towards end of life, having family surround you has been a solace in times my older relatives were at their time to pass.

Don't let people (like Situation) or your own sense of guilt lead you into having another child. Not all siblings get along. My brother and I didn't get along too well growing up and I didn't want him around. My spouse was an only child and feels like she missed out. My father doesn't talk to his brothers and mother has varying degrees of healthy relationships with her siblings.

I think financial issues are a very important consideration. I was the first born and resented the lack of money my family had--in part due to a younger sibiling. It definately limited my opportunities as a child and teen and limited my opportunities to purse my dreams. I think you owe financial considerations to your already existing child. Maybe they will benefit from you having another child. Maybe the negatives will outweigh the positives. I don't feel badly for your son. I think your son has really good parents who are looking out for him. There are not always ways to make ends meet and don't our children deserve better than just "making ends meet?"

Not a comment, but a related question. My 6 yr old son has repeatedly asked about where babies come from. I would love to get a book to use as the basis of this conversation. Any suggestions?

Why would you feel badly for a happy child who is dearly loved by his parents? As many people can attest to, having siblings does not guarantee they will be your life long best friends! I have a three year old daughter (who for now is my "only")& it constantly amazes me how many people pass judgement on parents who choose to have one child--for whatever reason!

Situation -- it's not always financial issues that limit people from having more than one child. After open-heart surgery in 2006, I was advised to not get pregnant again. Our four-year-old son will be our one and only child, and we're totally okay with that (especially if it means I'll be able to stay alive and actually raise him!). Regardless of the circumstances, it's a deeply personal decision. And there's no need to feel badly for only children -- after a difficult and tumultuous relationship with my sister, I happen to think only children have a sweet deal! Siblings are overrated.

I have two siblings (one younger and one older) and do not have a relationship with either of them. So even though I do have two siblings, it has been like I have been an only child for most of my life. Even though we all lived together until we were in our very late teens. So just because there are siblings doesn't mean you will be the close relationship you want them to have as a parent. I have two kids but that is because my husband and I wanted two kids, not because my oldest wanted one. You should have another child because you want one not to fulfill a wish for you child.

I feel badly that so many people are this judgemental about only children (Situation and eric).

I come from a large family and due to medical reasons have been able to not have any more children. We have one beautiful child who is well adjusted, outgoing, creative, social and happy. Our child has many, many cousins and regular playdates. Our child is not spoiled and we do not put him on a pedastal. We plan to raise our child as we would any child - to learn to share, respect others and to be part of a team - our family.

I know a lot of people who come from families with more than one child. Some great along great; others don't....having more than one child does not guarantee one big happy family who will have a close relationship all of their lives. Nor does having one child mean that the one child will adulate and cling to his or her parents and be selfish and self centered (key words "self" - you can be that whether you are alone - self - or amongst others!).

Happy people are happy both a bit by nature; by choice and by having had good life experiences. Same goes for selfish people - its not only due to being an only child. Its the life they experience growing up - as parents, we hope to provide a well rounded, positive and happy experience to our child and instill in our child morals, values and the importance of being a team player and good friend. I think that any parent would want the same.

I am one of five and my husband is an only child. Together we had four children of our own and my husband was very clear that he wanted at least two children having grown up an only child. His parents are loving/caring people and he was raised to be a loving/caring individual, but watching his own children grow and develop sibling relationships has made him think more about what he missed out on as a child. He did not have close cousins or family nearby to fill that void.

I grew up in a big family and am relatively close to all my siblings, but I know of friends who don't talk to their siblings as well. Bottom line, consider all angles and
do what works for your family, but don't make a decision to have another child based solely on the finances of the situation. Make it because it is right for you and your family to be a family of one child.

As a last comment, my in-laws are aging and as they do it will fall to my husband and I to care for them--not that I am complaining--they deserve it. But, as my own parents age, I will have the benefit of four siblings to rely upon for both emotional, and if necessary, financial support when it comes time to deal with the issue of our aging parents.

do w

My daughter is 6 years old and is always asking for a sibling. We're not planning on having one and we've told her that. I tell her that she can play with her friends' siblings but that we're happy with our family of 3. She has tons of friends and I think she will be just fine as an only child. It has taken me many years to get comfortable with the decision to have only 1 child, mostly because of comments from total strangers, work colleagues, and even friends who say things like "you have to have another!" I don't know why so many people think that's an acceptable thing to say. The same people wouldn't tell me that I have to get a new car, or move closer to my parents to take care of them, or anything so personal.

I think there's trade-offs with every situation. Only children grow up to well adjusted empathetic individuals and have very strong relationships as well as kids with siblings. On the one hand, it's easier financially to use your resources and give them a strong foundation - maybe a private college vs a public one, summer camps and music lessons... They have all of their parental attention and do not have to compete for it. Their space isn't constantly invaded by a younger sib. On the other, some children wish that they had a sense of "sharing a past." Once parents have passed away - there is no one to share a child's early years and family memories. It is up to the parents to encourage long-lasting friendships...

i am mom to an only child, who will stay that way for now because i can't have any more children. i hope we can find a way in the furture, but even if we don't, i know she'll be ok on her own. some of the greatest people i have ever known are 'only children' and if she's even half as awesome as they are i'll be happy. Sure, i'd love for her to have a sibling..i come from a huge family. i have 5 sisters and until last year i had a brother. He died and my whole world felt broken. he was the best friend i ever had. but even through all of that, and knowing how awesome it is to have siblings, if i can't, then i feel confident in that decision.

My son is 5 and we will probably NOT have another child. I wonder how many people think that I am trying to get pregnant, but am having physical trouble.
Our society seems to accept "two" as the optimum number. When my friend got pregnant with their third, I heard comments like "She's crazy." and "Hasn't she heard of birth control?" and "What is she thinking?"
But these same people are the ones who ask me "When are you having another?"
So apparently, two is the magic number -- the only number that does not warrant some sort of comment.
I can honestly say that I have never met a child who shares better than my son does. He has many friends and cousins, and plays with different children of all ages/genders on a daily basis. He is not lacking for playmates.
I think some children will be selfish and spoiled regardless of their sibling count. Our small family is perfect for us. I think my son would like a sibling sometimes, but he's a smart boy and understands that all families are different and that there are pros and cons to having siblings.
He's not being cheated out of anything. In fact, he gets so much love and attention (not spoiled) that I would go so far as to say he feels lucky compared with some other kids who have bigger immediate families.

My nephew asked...my sister brought him home a cat!!!

It seems, as with any issue, there are arguments/ stories for both sides... pros and cons for both children and parents, of having/being only children and having/being one of more than one. My personal situation has dictated that I only have one child (my husband has 2 from his first marriage; 8 years older than our daughter: part-time siblings)-- and the financial realities of family life (especially child care logistics and expense) was one of the major reasons I did not have a second child. "Situation"'s comment that "there are always ways to make ends meet" is a totally inadequate and insensitive statement to answer something that, for me, is an extremely hard reality. And we can't afford private school, either.

I have one child, she is well-adjusted, Thank God, and I have all the love in the world to give to her and her alone.

Think of all the happy "onlys" out there! Chelsea Clinton comes to mind, for one.

I come from a slightly larger family, and believe you me, I'd have been happier as an only, with all the trouble my sibling caused our parents!

THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH AN ONLY CHILD! People who say only children are maladjusted are just making stuff up. Geez....

As a Massachusetts Foster parent, I urge anyone considering adding another child to instead open themselves and their homes up to the thousands of good kids out there who were born to parents who can't take care of them.

I think a parents mission to a child is to invest in that child varied experiences, provide the child with a sense of adventure for the outdoors, inquisitiveness about the world and caring and compassion for people and the planet. Caring and loving parents provide the foundation but varied experiences serve as the layering to a child's well rounded development. I think financial considerations is a very noble rationale to have only one child - particularly in this day and age. I have 3 siblings and get along with only two and those two I see twice per year tops. My husband and I have one son which enables us to fully expose him to as many positive and enriching experiences and help save for his education and other educations options

Every only child I have ever met is messed up. Period.

They are selfish, don't know how to share and have poor social skills. It seems like everyone on this post list who has an only child had a hard time getting along with his/her siblings - what is up with that? Maybe that is why only children are so messed up - because their parents have social issues?

I agree w/ Situation + eric wholeheartedly. Having siblings can benefit the child academically and with their social and interpersonal skills. I cant imagine what it must be like to have no one who understands what my childhood was like completely or to have to deal with parental issues (divorce, general craziness, old age, sickness) on my own.

Situation and others are way off the mark . . . This is a decision that parents make or a reality that they have to deal with and the reasons are so varied and so personal that no one should make comments like "I feel badly for your son." Maybe this family is just barely making ends meet NOW. You just don't know, so it is unfair to judge like that.

Barbara - I was just telling a friend the other day about your article from a while back about being the parent of an "only." She and I each only have one child and our families will most likely remain that way. Is the article still available somewhere?

Wow Situation, I can speak for the fact that as a parent of an only, it tends to be both aggravating and heartbreaking to read the statements of how we are "harming" our child in some way by only having one.

Some people need to take on a different perspective before passing judgement. For instance, my child is not an only child by design, but sometimes that is the way that things turn out, and regardless of the circumstances, NO ONE should be judged on this kind of decision.

Not only is it difficult on my husband and myself to lose pregnancy after pregnancy and deal with the medical interventions that result from us trying to have another, but it is difficult on my child as well. We have come to learn that CHILDREN ALWAYS KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON, no matter how much you try to hide it from them. We really didn't want our child to see us grieving all the time over these kinds of losses and we didn't want to degrade our child's feelings of importance in our life as a result of these kinds of losses. As parents, we have decided to stop here and have only onechild. We would rather devote our attentions to our current child and enjoy our time with him now.

As to the focus of the main question, comments from people about giving my child a sibling do lead to the inevitable discussion with him about why he doesn't have brothers and sisters. We have learned to wait for him to address the subject (as it is a subject that also comes up each time a new baby is born to friends or family) and we leave a running dialogue open with him about the subject of having a baby brother or sister. He feels free to discuss it with us at any time and we try not to make it look any better or any worse to have siblings. While I do know people who have told their only children the benefits of not sharing with siblings, I don't want to raise my child with that kind of bias. Instead we talk about what life would be like with a sibling, how life is now without one, and how his friends and cousins are good to have in his life.

...And I don't think my child will grow up to be maladjusted in someway due to his lack of siblings. I do know enough well adjusted full grown adults who were able to prove to me that Only is not always Lonely.

I intended to have one, ended up with two, but I don't see either model as being superior PARTICULARLY if there is no guarentee you can support an extra person! That said, one of my two sons went through a phase of asking for a sister. When he found out that some of his female friends in preschool came from China, he even suggested that we go pick one up! So if your "only" asks for a brother or sister, chances are he would do that anyway - even if he had a brother or sister. Otherwise, it isn't your job to bring another child into the world because of dimwitted mythology surrounding only children.

The "guilt" of having one child (or no children) is pure and total bupkis. I'd be happy with your one child. My sister and I fought all the time growing up. We now have a much better relationship, but that took twenty years to happen.

Enjoy your one child. Many, many people who can't have children would do just about anything for that blessing. Even though I hear "three is the new two", there's no way I'm going to be having a third kid because it's trendy or acceptable to do so. Peer pressure would be a very poor reason to bring a child into this world.

Um, the person wasn't asking for judgment on her decision to have only one child. She was asking how she should tell her child that he will always be an only!

The decision of how many children to have is very personal -- if she had said they couldn't have any more kids for medical reasons, would everyone be jumping all over her decision?

Having said that, I agree with Barbara's response. Just be open and honest with your kid. He can handle it.

Personally, I really haven't seen the spoiled only child thing with any of the kids I go to school with. The spoiled mentality is much more dependent on how much money your parents spend on you/how much you run the household. The parents of my friends who are only children have said that they went out of their way to make sure their kids weren't spoiled. Just like having siblings, sometimes being an only child is great, sometimes it sucks, mostly it doesn't matter all that much.
For every only child I know who wishes he or she had sibling I know five or six kids who hate their siblings.

Great idea Situation...everyone should just throw caution to the wind and not care about finances or their wants/needs and just go have more children. I was an only and I have an only. I do not want any more children and for those who say it is selfish...what is worse, selfishly not having another or having a child I truly don't want, so I can look at it every day with remorse?

Well, with 3 brothers and 1 sister, the five of us constituted the smallest brood (on Dad's side) growing up in the 60's and 70's. I see being an only child as a vulnerability and a disadvantage. Too bad too many parents rationalize it away by saying that the only child gets more quality time. What a bunch of crap. Our three couldn't live without each other and are great company to one another, despite the occasional scrums. Seems western countries (and China) have created a generation of kids whose own kids will never know aunts, uncles, or cousins. A shame. The only child generation. So much for the heir and the spare(s).

I was an only child until I was three. It was the best three years of my life.

Hopefully by only having one child I will be able to save enough money so that she won't have to be financially responsible for me when I am old and gray.

I grew up in a family of 5. I know that my brother and sister won't be able to help out much for my parents when my parents are elderly which is going to leave me and my husband with a lot of responsibility and and also a lot of resentment towards my siblings - I already see it coming!

Only children tend to be more sophisticated and have better vocabularies at a younger age, because they are more likely to be around adults more often.

"A shame. The only child generation. So much for the heir and the spare(s)."

Children aren't tires, they're people. When you drive a car with a spare and accidentally pop the front left tire, you don't grieve, you just replace that one with the spare in the trunk. If one of your children dies then would you grieve, or would you just change your will to leave the house to another one of your children?

If you want 4 children, you should have 4 children and do your best to love every one of them and keep every one of them alive, not have 5 children so that you'll probably be left with 4 after 1 dies. That applies no matter how many children you want - whether you want 1 or 2 or 7 or 8, don't have even more than you want. Calling your first child the heir and your younger children the spares is saying that you don't care if your first child dies because you consider your other children replacements for him or her.

It's amazing to me how the question was not whether or not to have another child, but how to tell the existing child there won't be a sibling, yet the VERY FIRST response was to tell the mother to have another child. As an only child who grew up in the sixties, when large families were the norm, I can tell you one of the reasons why only children might have issues: because people are CONSTANTLY telling them there is something wrong with them and their family. Barbara's answer was right on and the mother asking the question should have NO guilt. One thing only children are VERY good at is picking up on their parents' moods and concerns, and if the mom feels guilt or re ore remorse, the child will feel it and feel that there is something wrong with him. Here's what NOT to say: We can't afford another one (the child will feel there is something wrong with him and he is burdeninghis parents). Also, please don't say, "we tried and tried, but we couldn't have another one, or something similar. The child will feel that he (or she) is not "enough" for the parents. Trust me on this; that is what my parents told me. Finally, I have to chime in on the "selfish" thing. Only children are self-centered; they can't help it. But they are also very generous. Why? Because they have more, and they don't see why others should n't have more, too.

I have not read each and every prior comment, so please forgive if I'm repeating something.

First & foremost, I am not seeking to guilt anybody into changing a decision that they already made. I seek merely to add my perspective, as a 43 y.o. male who is an only child, for those who may be grappling with this decision. I bear no grudge against my parents for not providing me with siblings (despite numerous requests), have no children of my own and don't foresee having children in the future. Thus, I have no horse in this race.

When I was a kid, my family moved quite often and I was somewhat overweight. So I was always the new, fat kid and, kids being kids, was not particularly popular. As a result, the majority of my social interaction was with adults (Parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles) and read voraciously. Without a doubt, this had some definite benefits; I excelled academically, was quite comfortable interacting with adults and learned how to be entertain myself. However, it also had what I consider to be some drawbacks, both in childhood and my adult life. I was frequently lonely for the company of my peers as a kid. As an adult, I have found that, unlike my contemporaries who grew up with siblings, I had a great deal of difficulty learning how to keep people in my life after having had an intense argument with them, or feeling that I'd been wronged or otherwise hurt by them. I've worked at this and believe I have pretty much overcome it, but it has had it's costs.

So, there's my perspective. I hope it provides some insights for those who may be seeking them. Best of luck to you, whatever you decide!

Situation,
I am an 18 year old only child. I am not selfish, as my parents taught me how to share. I do not lack social skills, as my parents taught me how to interect with adults and children. And I am certainly not messed up. That was a rude and offensive comment, not only to myself, but to the others who are only children or who only have just one child. Many do not believe that I am an only child, because of my social skills and I get along and share with everyone. It is all about teaching your children how to be respectable to others, especially elders. I have many cousins who are not only children and very disresectful. Being an only child also has it's benifits. I was always under my parents scrutiny and they therefore pushed me to work harder and achieve a high level of education. I am currently enrolled in a pwell-known private college. It's all on how parents raise their children.And my mom did not have a bad relationship with her 3 other siblings, I'm sorry that she had a miscarriage and could not have any more children.

Barbara, it seems a great idea to have a discussion amongst parents of only children as to their quality of life. Why would it be any different from having multiple children? We love our children all the same.
Reservoir

OK...the truth here is that it sucks to be an only child. I am an only child and so wish that I had siblings. When you look around at the close bonds that friends share with their siblings you realize that you are missing something. It is very selfish to not give a child sisters and/or brothers. (I know it is sometimes not a choice due to infertility, etc.) I always knew I would have at least 2 children...and it has turned out to be two. My children are still small but sooooo close to eachother. They share a bedroom and are the best of friends. It is a beautiful thing to behold. And would you rather your child have a joyful, emotionally enriching childhood and life or a "sophisticated and better vocabulary?!" Come on!

I can't believe the comments here. I grew up with 3 siblings and my husband grew up with one. His brother refuses contact with his family and we're not even sure that he knows he's an uncle. As for me, my siblings and I rarely talk and only see each other when we're all home together at my parents. We love each other, but we were never close as children. My brothers fought constantly and my sister is 10.5 years younger than I am. I was well out of the house by the time she was school-aged.

We now have one daughter. We lost a child before she came along and were told that her conception was somewhat a miracle. She is happy and healthy, loved and cherished. My husband stays home with her because it was less expensive to do that than to put her in day care. Financially, we can't imagine having another. After trying for so long and losing one already, we're happy to be blessed with what we do have and don't care to try again.

Our daughter is still a baby but is already showing that she's grasping the concept of "sharing". She shares with us quite often and we encourage that behavior. We can't afford and have no intention of spoiling her, but I think it's laughable that quite a few posters here have noted that only children are "spoiled". The most spoiled kids I know come from families with siblings who are also spoiled. It's about parenting, not numbers.

To the OP, when I was little, I used to ask for a sister all of the time. My parents always said I wouldn't be getting one. It never stopped me asking (having two younger brothers was grating), but I always knew the answer before I asked anyway. Then, one day, I had a sister. She was unexpected by all, welcomed by all, but it turned out that having a sister wasn't the sisterly love fest I imagined it would be - mostly because of the age difference.

Take Barbara's advice here and don't listen to anyone who would try to give you a guilt trip because you don't want any more kids. It's your choice and the way you choose to explain it to your son is wholly up to you.

I am an only child and so is my son. My parents raised me to be responsible and compassionate. I had to do the dishes and take out the trash and all the chores that siblings would normally share, this is not a complaint, just a fact. I am, at heart, a introvert, but being an only child that moved around a lot taught me how to be more outgoing. I have learned to interact with a wide variety of people from different nationalities, cultures and ages and YES I share! I find it very hurtful that people automatically assume only children are selfish and spoiled..is that jealousy?
My son is very well adjusted has chores (he's 6) and has been playing with other children in day care and in school since he was 9 months old. We constantly get reports from his teachers about what a compassionate and self confident child he is.
There is no shame in making the decision to have only one child. I think it shows a responsible and well adjusted adult to realize their financial situation and make decisions accordingly. If that means you can support and educate 20 children or 1 child good for you!

I was an only child and hated it. Now I have 2 children of my own and have to take care of my mother by myself. No one to share the burden with. Not easy.

My sister is the most self-center, self-victimized, selfish person I can think of. I would not be inclined to think that because you have siblings you will have long-lasting, emotionally rewarding relationships with them. I have one child and, right now, I'm content with that. My hope is to invest as much as I can into raising her over the next 3-5 years, and see if I have the energy to do the same for another.
Food for though- I feel I missed out on being an only child.

"Every only child I have ever met is messed up. Period."
Well, you haven't met me, and I am glad for that, because I have no room in my rich and full life for someone as short-sighted but oh-so-SMART as you. I am well-adjusted because my parents raised me properly. I didn't have a hard time going to college or sharing my toys or being in social situations. I know plenty of people with siblings who are "messed up" and I know plenty without siblings who are "messed up." It generally has to do with their parents! I would never deign to make such a generalization about a group of people. But I guess that's how you were raised. Your parents did a great job. Maybe they were too busy parenting your three siblings to spend much time with you. Sorry about that.

#40: it's SELFISH not to have more children? WOW, how judgmental! Personally (and not that she was asking for all of us to judge her decision), I applaud this mother for knowing her limits. More people should know when to say "enough" and not have more kids if they don't want them (WHATEVER the reason). We all have crosses to bear. Being an old child isn't the worst thing that can happen to a person.

My son is 4 years old and he continues to ask me for a baby sister. He even told the day care kids right in front of me that he is having a baby sister. I said “hunny mommy is not having a baby sister.” It seems like an every day conversation with him and I don’t know what to tell him any more. First off I don’t have another half so you cant have a baby without one. And I have told him we need to have a daddy to have a baby so the daddy can help take care of the baby sister cause mommies need help. Than he says "Well you can just eat a bunch of food and have a baby" apparently that’s what you have to do to have a baby these days is eat lots off food LOL. He tells me "Im going to eat lots of food to have a baby" I have explained to him that only mommies can have babies. I have expressed every thing I can to him and he is still asking for a babies sister every other day. I am not even sure I want another one. I love the baby stage but if you had to go through what I had to go through with my son you wouldnt like the stage after baby either. Lets just say my son started him terrible two’s at 1. And its been down hill till about he turned 3 ½. What do I do?? I do love kids don’t get me wrong but I think the most scary part is doing it alone again. I have been raising my son by my self since he was 7 months old. It is hard and exhausting and scary all at the same time. I just don’t think I will ever want anymore even if I do meet the guy that is right for me. What do I tell my little guy so he can stop asking me every day about him wanting a baby sister. And when am I going to get him one. I have even bought him a cat when he first started talking about it hoping that he would stop but its only gotten worse. He tells me that he needs a sister to play with. He tells me I love babies. I want one. I want to change her and feed her and give her a bath and play with her. I give him plenty of love and plenty of attention. And when ever he asks me I tell him the same things. Its not like I ignore it cause he doesn’t let the subject down if I ignore it. What do I tell him?? Please any advice will be helpful

I have a two year old daughter and I love her so much. Iam 35 years old and still can't make up my mind about having a second child. I have a wonderful sister and my husband has 3 siblings. They do not get along very well. When his parents were sick they were no where to be seen. I appreciate all of the advice. But I am still struggling.

How can some of you people judge parents that have one child so harshly? I have one..only wanted one and love her to pieces. I feel finances would be harder on our family with more than one too. So, what is the problem with thinking rationally...UMMMM nothing that I can come up with! If you want a whole bunch of kids go for it but do not judge those of us who do not!

Situation - What a cruel generalization to make about people. Fill in an ethnic group or religion where the phrase "only child" is and everyone would call you a bigot. I am an only child who is happy with my parents' deicion. There were times I wished for a sibling and plenty of times listening to friends' problems with siblings that I was happy to be on my own. One thing I am sure of is that I am far from selfish. I have had wonderful friendships, volunteer my time to important causes and give of my heart and mind. You on the other hand, apparently with siblings, still turned out to be a close-minded, ignorant and poorly educated individual. ooops

My sister died as an infant before I was born so I grew up an only child. I went through a phase in middle school where I really wished I had siblings. Other than that I have been fine with being an only child.

Many people say they can't believe I am an only child (which is rude, but whatever)...I am probably one of the least materialistic people you could care to meet. My dad was a first generation American, all about hard work, so I never felt spoiled or entitled.

Being an only child forced me to be more extraverted since I had to create my own social life. I now own my own successful business am in a long term relationship, and have many friends.

Another thing no one brought up: We are in a population crisis. Although the developing world may have some of the largest families, they don't use the amount of resources Americans do...having a small family is probably the kindest thing you can do for the planet right now.

To the mom who was the orignal poster...don't listen to these knuckle-heads...your son has parents who love him, something that many kids will never have. He is blessed.