OHbaby! Forums : Are you an only child? https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 08 May 2026 12:33:31 +0000 Mon, 03 May 2010 21:47:24 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.05 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=33204 <![CDATA[OHbaby! Forums]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : This was on my mind towards the...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1015150&title=are-you-an-only-child#1015150 Author: scribe
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 9:47pm

This was on my mind towards the end of last year when I seriously considered the idea of stopping at one child (though it would never have happened anyway, as DH is very keen for another) ...

But then I went through a lot earlier this year with my parents (they're long divorced; both were going through entirely different things) ... during that time the support of my siblings was so important - even my husband couldn't understand or empathise entirely ... so I worried about the burden it could put on Clara on when DH and I are much older, if one of us was to develop alzheimers or a serious health problem etc...

However, having said that, my mother hasn't spoken to her brother (her only sibling) for something like 15 years so having a sibling is no guarantee that they'll always have someone to turn to!

And I can only speak highly of the only children I've known... they've tended to be outgoing, well rounded, achieving types. As far as the spoilt stereotype goes... I can think of a lot more spoilt youngest children (in particular, a few youngest girls with two older brothers )]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 21:47:24 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1015150&title=are-you-an-only-child#1015150 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : Having siblings is not all its...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1015100&title=are-you-an-only-child#1015100 Author: caliandjack
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 9:04pm

Having siblings is not all its cracked up to be - there is 3 years between my brother and I and we havn't got on from the beginning. The first thing he did when I arrived home was poke me in the face.
For the type of relationship we have I may as well not have a brother. The only plus is I have two fabulous nieces and an awesome ex-SIL best things to come out of his failed marriage.]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 21:04:04 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1015100&title=are-you-an-only-child#1015100 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : TrudzMum2B wrote: I don&#039;t...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014997&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014997 Author: High9
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 8:08pm

Originally posted by TrudzMum2B TrudzMum2B wrote:


I don't care about sharing now but when I was a kid I hated sharing my barbies coz I always had the good ones and didn't want other people playing with them lol


Argh same about the Barbies!! ]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 20:08:42 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014997&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014997 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I was into dancing at 3yrs then...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014951&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014951 Author: Whateversville
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 7:44pm

I was into dancing at 3yrs then gave up at 10yrs and took up marching til i was 19yrs so I made loads of friends and travelled lots.
I also played netball at school..

I don't care about sharing now but when I was a kid I hated sharing my barbies coz I always had the good ones and didn't want other people playing with them lol]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 19:44:22 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014951&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014951 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : Oh and sharing, I hate sharing...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014872&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014872 Author: High9
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 6:45pm

Oh and sharing, I hate sharing lol

ETA like the above poster said child friendly activities, brownies, cubs etc, My mum had no idea so I missed out on that too!!

Like Julz said cousins, I had my cousins live with us for about 4 months when they first moved to NZ and it was really great! But also nice when they left as I didn't have to share lol

Aaand... Sorry you've really got me thinking!! My parents separated when I was a baby too, I do have half siblings but they're 10+ years older than me so never would have been good play mates and even now we have nothing in common!

Edited by nkap9]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 18:45:42 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014872&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014872 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I think the key is to be very...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014867&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014867 Author: jaz
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 6:43pm

I think the key is to be very child focused when it comes to holidays, weekends etc. If your only is busy with extra curricula activities, has the opportunity to go on camps with cubs, brownies etc and outings are child focused such as visits to the playground, camping holidays at the beach etc then its all good. Kids will make friends with other kids at pools, playgrounds etc, but the later childhood and early teen years get difficult, that is when family holidays with two parents doing their own thing and a bored lonely teen tagging along doesn't go so well. ]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 18:43:42 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014867&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014867 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : nkap9 wrote:Me! I always...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014860&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014860 Author: Whateversville
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 6:35pm

Originally posted by nkap9 nkap9 wrote:

Me!

I always longed for a sibling, just someone to play with or boss around, sure I had friends over 24/7 and sometimes to stay the night but it was never the same because they always went home.

Holidays were often a bit boring and never anything like Splash Planet or Rainbows End...
I would have loved a sibling to have when on the long car trips too!

But being an only child and grandchild meant I was really spoiled with toys, clothes etc, never went without anything... When I got sick of my friends I could just send them home...

HTH... lol


EXACTLY what I would have said!!
Holidays and long car rides were boring but I had lots of friends that lived on my street so I was okay ]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 18:35:00 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014860&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014860 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : Me! I always longed for a sibling,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014805&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014805 Author: High9
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 5:40pm

Me!

I always longed for a sibling, just someone to play with or boss around, sure I had friends over 24/7 and sometimes to stay the night but it was never the same because they always went home.

Holidays were often a bit boring and never anything like Splash Planet or Rainbows End...
I would have loved a sibling to have when on the long car trips too!

But being an only child and grandchild meant I was really spoiled with toys, clothes etc, never went without anything... When I got sick of my friends I could just send them home...

HTH... lol ]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 17:40:55 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014805&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014805 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I&#039;m not but I do have some...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014583&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014583 Author: emz
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 3:22pm

I'm not but I do have some friends who are. One is a very well rounded person, the other is a spoilt brat (still!). I think it comes down to parenting, not number of siblings.

One thing a lady at work said to me the other day stuck though - she, at 40, had her 2nd child and the deciding factor for her (she was about 50/50) was wanting the family to continue when she was gone. She said as an only child herself, she felt incredibly lonely when both her parents died and she had no siblings or other close family to turn to.]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 15:22:31 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014583&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014583 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I wasn&#039;t an only child but...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014558&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014558 Author: hannibal
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 3:04pm

I wasn't an only child but my brother was killed recently in an accident and I hate the thought now being the only one if that makes sense.]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 15:04:37 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014558&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014558 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : My first husband was an only child...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014509&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014509 Author: lilfatty
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 2:30pm

My first husband was an only child .. and the only "flaw" he seemed to have is that he wasnt great at sharing as he never had too.

However, my daughter isnt that into sharing either .. and she isnt an only child ]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 14:30:33 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014509&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014509 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I am not an only child but the...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014336&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014336 Author: jaz
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 12:39pm

I am not an only child but the youngest of four with an 8 year gap between me and the next one up, so at times felt like an only child. From about 8 years onwards my siblings weren't along for family holidays or around home much so it did get pretty lonely. Fortunately I have a lot of cousins my own age and although they lived about 3 hours away we did get together a lot growing up.

I always would have prefered to have siblings closer to my age growing up and now find I have a really close relationship with them. I have found my siblings to be a huge source of practical help and support over the years but because I have them probably don't rely on friends as much.

I am pleased I have siblings and wouldn't want my children to be an only but for me I had siblings around a lot in my early years then a big gap with not so much contact and I think I missed it because I'd lost it. I may have felt quite differently if I'd been an only child from day one. ]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 12:39:41 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014336&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014336 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I&#039;m not an only child but...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014280&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014280 Author: caliandjack
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 11:53am

I'm not an only child but Dh is he has a great relationship with his parents, and didn't miss not having a sibling as he didn't know any difference.
The only negatives with DH is he lacks patience as of course he never had to wait his turn when he was younger and he doesn't like it when he doesn't get enough attention. He was indulged in someways - he won't eat chops - as his mum only had one child to please.

On the other hand I have 1 older brother who I don't get on with at all, which has made me question the pros and cons of having two.  I'll be 37 having my first so any subsquent children I'll be getting close to 39-40. 

]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 11:53:25 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014280&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014280 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : Lol MindiW at having no one to...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014239&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014239 Author: Dani08
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 11:03am

Lol MindiW at having no one to blame for broken things - it never occured to me - so that would be one bonus for us as parents, hehe...

Julz, DD has 5 cousins here, but they are a bit older (ranging from ages 9 to 13) - the oldest is very keen to be her babysitter when she's old enough - another bonus

Thanks, it's nice to hear so much positive feedback though, makes me feel a little better about it ]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 11:03:17 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014239&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014239 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : Im not an only child but one of...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014232&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014232 Author: HuntersMama
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 10:58am

Im not an only child but one of my best friends is, and she is the loveliest person you will ever meet! She wasnt spoilt, and grew up with lots of cousins around. We have talked about it and she didnt feel like she missed out on anything, and is very independent.]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 10:58:48 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014232&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014232 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I was an only child too and must...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014197&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014197 Author: MindyW
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 10:26am

I was an only child too and must admit that I was pretty spoilt- The only prob was that if something got broken I had noone to blame it on

I lived with just my mum as my parents split up when I was a baby. While there was absolutely nothing wrong with my childhood, I did get lonely but was fortunate to have a lot of cousins. I personally want my bub to have siblings but wouldnt be devastated if I just had this little baby.... hope that made sense

Love and affection counts waay more than other siblings- friends, sports teams etc can fill the gaps (if any) of having no siblings]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 10:26:35 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014197&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014197 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I was an only child, had the best...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014166&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014166 Author: Smelly_Kelly
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 10:07am

I was an only child, had the best childhood ever, and i dont think i missed out on anything :)]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 10:07:56 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014166&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014166 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : Im an only child, i dont think...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014125&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014125 Author: palomino
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 9:44am

Im an only child, i dont think it affected me in a bad way as such. I grew up on a farm so always had pets to play with and i have a heap of cousins who were always around so dont feel like i missed out on that front. ]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 09:44:10 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014125&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014125 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : does your daughter have any cousins...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014118&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014118 Author: julz85
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 9:39am

does your daughter have any cousins around her age ? Im not an only child ( i have one sister) but i was bought up living very close to my cousin ( whos 9months younger than me ) and we are probably more like sisters than me and my natural sister .

  i dont think it makes a huge difference as to weather your wee girl has any siblings or not, she will have all the love and attention she need from her mum and dad and will make friends in life that are like brothers/sisters to her .  

]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 09:39:45 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014118&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014118 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : *puts hand up* I&#039;m an only...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014115&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014115 Author: fattykat
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 9:38am

*puts hand up*

I'm an only child.....don't 'think' it affected me lol.
Growing up it never worried me being a only child. I LOVED my childhood. Until reading this I don't think I had really given it any thought.

I don't have much of a extended family but there are close family friends who were always there for me and still are.

Like Mama Pickle said....I guess I don't know any different either.

My Mum and birth father seperated when I was a baby but my step father (Dad) has been in my life since I was two. I do have half sisters on my birth fathers side but they don't count as I have never meet them and don't intend to (I'm 31 and they are in their mid 20's I think) so consider myself the only one.



Edited by FattyKat]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 09:38:02 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014115&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014115 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I&#039;m not an only child, but...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014095&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014095 Author: BugTeeny
Subject: 33204
Posted: 03 May 2010 at 9:18am

I'm not an only child, but DH is.
He has the "double-whammy" effect of being born on Christmas Day

However, from what I've heard from his childhood he didn't feel like he was missing out at all.
He had/has loving parents and has grown up with his best friend (who was our best man, and I consider a brother, also).

I'm sure there were times he thought he'd like a sibling, but he didn't really know any different, if that makes sense?

I don't think he's any worse off, at all.
He's independent, easy-going and makes (and keeps) friends easily. Has a great relationship with his parents (and my family, subsequently) and doesn't even give the fact he's an only child a second thought.

Bit of a novel. Hope that makes sense

*edited for to add another point.

Edited by MamaPickle]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 09:18:17 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1014095&title=are-you-an-only-child#1014095 <![CDATA[Are you an only child? : I would love to hear about your...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1013957&title=are-you-an-only-child#1013957 Author: Dani08
Subject: 33204
Posted: 02 May 2010 at 10:22pm

I would love to hear about your experiences of being an only child - good or bad. We have a beautiful 18 month old girl who wasn't actually planned, but is now the most loved little girl on the planet. When I was younger I always thought IF I ever had a child, it wouldn't be an only child, since I grew up with a sibling. But now, even though I'm clucky for another, we are a little concerned about my age (39), health, family overseas, etc. to try for another, but feel guilty about not giving our little girl a sibling at the same time, so it would be nice to hear of some first hand experiences... ]]> Sun, 02 May 2010 22:22:09 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33204&PID=1013957&title=are-you-an-only-child#1013957