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Does an only child miss out?

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Eloethan Tue 12-Mar-13 19:24:45

I'm an only child and I don't remember feeling lonely when I was young. Although I enjoyed going out with my friends, I was quite happy on my own as well. I certainly wasn't "spoilt" in the conventional sense of having lots of money spent on me but I didn't have to share my time and space with siblings, or help in the house. Also, I had almost no contact with babies or young children, so felt very at sea when I had my first child.

My dad died 12 years ago and he was also an only child. Now there's only my mum (92), her brother, and a cousin (both of whom live far away) left. I find that I envy friends who have brothers and sisters to share family gatherings and childhood memories with. I also think that my own children and grandchildren have missed out in not having an extended family (my husband emigrated here and he has no family in England).

This isn't a whinge - I have a happy life with my husband, children, grandchildren and good friends, for which I'm grateful, but I just wondered what other people thought.

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Gorki Sat 16-Mar-13 10:14:59

Have we heard from anyone who has a twin sibling?I think that is just perfect (especially if they are of the opposite sex ie less rivalry )but not easy to organise !! My twin grandchildren are the best of friends although of course it doen't mean they don't fight and argue with each other on occasions.They have there own friends and are in different classes at school (my daughter's choice )and they ae certainly not inseperable but they do look out for each other.This is especially poignant as the little boy has special needs (autism ) and sometimes needs a helping hand from his sister.She is developing a very caring attitude towards others.On the other hand,despite his autism he is the more outgoing and she sometimes hides behind him on social occasions.I find their relationship fascinating being an only child myself.

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