Families come in all sizes and each one is unique.
Whether you have a large or small family, there are blessings and challenges for each family size.
I love my small family of three and wouldn’t want it any other way, but there are things for other parents to keep in mind.
What Parents of Only Children Want You to Understand
Respect Our Family Size
Parents with one child often encounter awkward questions about when they plan to have another baby. Some people may suggest that their child will become spoiled if they don’t have a second one.
Overall, it’s not a good idea to ask parents when they’re planning to have another kid. The path to parenthood varies for each family. Parents may choose to have just one child, or face difficulties in having more children.
So, the next time you are tempted to ask about baby number two, remember that every family is different. Let’s support families as they are, not as you think they should be.
Our Child is not “Spoiled”
A common stereotype about only children is that they are spoiled. A child in a small family may have more opportunities or things than other families with more children, but this happens regardless of family size. This doesn’t make the child spoiled. And the term “spoiled” means different things to different people. Parents with one child want the same thing as other parents, to raise a child who is generous, empathetic, and kind.
We May Ask for Playdates
Parents of only children spend more time planning activities with other families. These families don’t have the benefit of having multiple kids to help entertain each other.
Also, some things are fun with a small family of three, but others are more fun for a child to do with other kids. This is especially true for local things like zoo or beach trips, and even vacations.
Biggest Joys and Challenges
One of the biggest joys in my life is my relationship with my child. I love the close bond we have. Another great thing about being a mom, regardless of family size, is that children can take joy in the simplest of things. I love watching the world through their eyes.
One of the difficult things is knowing how much he is missing out by not having siblings. There’s just something special about a bond with a sibling. His close relationships with cousins and friends aren’t the same as having a sibling.
Parenting Styles for Only Children
Parenting a single child is a unique experience. In some ways, having one child to manage makes things easier. There is only one backpack to keep track of, and only one activity schedule to coordinate.
But there are difficulties as well. In a one child house, parents notice everything their child is doing. Parents might hear from friends and family that they are too strict. Parents may notice and respond to even the smallest mistakes with only one child to parent. Many of these small behavior issues may go unnoticed in families with more than one child.
Compare this to how different a parent is with their first and second child. They are usually much more relaxed with kid number two. Only kids never get to the more relaxed two-kid family stage.
Small families are filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few extra toys. They have a special dynamic, with a strong relationship between the parents and the child. Despite this special bond, the parents need to organize more peer social time. However, parenting an only child is a still rewarding experience.
