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Has a lack of, or an abundance of, siblings affected your personality?

(80 Posts)
Greyduster Thu 15-Dec-16 12:35:26

When I was born, one of my two sisters was married and the other almost. My brother was older than both of them. So I might as well have been an only child. My father indulged me shamelessly and my mother considered me to be an inconvenience at a time when she thought she was getting her life back! I suppose she loved me in her own way but I spent more time at my sisters' houses than I did at my own, in the company of my nephews and nieces. I was never short of friends but always thought it would be nice to have a brother around my own age. Our only grandson is an only child and will remain so as DD made a decision not to have any more children. I respect her choice, but I feel for him. He has lots of friends but it's not the same thing as growing up with siblings. I've no idea whether it matters to him.

Christinefrance Thu 15-Dec-16 12:22:34

I was an only child without cousins or any other relatives my own age. I am independent, don't ask for help and find difficulty showing affection. After hearing of my husband's problems with siblings and reading about other posters problems I'm not sure I miss having them either.
Definitely gave me a tendency to selfishness which I try hard to curb.

Teetime Thu 15-Dec-16 11:55:41

I was in the middle for a long time. My elder brother was the first child and first boy grandchild so he was adored by all, I was a nuisance who happened along at the same time as mother caught TB causing her to spend a couple of years in a sanatorium in the depths of the countryside - my fault of course. My sister was born 10 years later and was a fragile little blond in sharp contrast to be the black haired galumping elephant that I was she became Poor * in my mothers eyes for ever. The 20 years after me came the bonus another son!! Deep joy- very very spoilt and turned out to be a complete wrong'un.

Antonia Thu 15-Dec-16 10:51:06

I am the eldest of three and can honestly say that my younger sister is the best possible friend I could have. We support each other when things are going badly and share in family celebrations. I wouldn't be without my siblings, especially as I get older and realise that 'blood is thicker than water.' Of course I realise that not all families are as lucky as we are. I recently read a thread about non contact between siblings and I thought that was sad.

Lillie Thu 15-Dec-16 10:13:01

Are you an only child who longed to be part of a big family, or are you one of many siblings who wished for some peace and quiet on your own? Each has its advantages.
Being an "only" has equipped me better for challenges in the big wide world, but I think I would have liked more experience of having been part of a bigger family, especially as I get older. I recognise in myself a slight difficulty in relaxing amongst friends and in dealing with tricky personalities, which I am sure is all down to being on my own as a child.
Where do you fit in, then and now?