SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

I am the youngest of 7 (5 girls, 2 boys), and we are all still very close. I have an only child, she is 19.

She never really wanted siblings; part of that was probably because our friend/neighbor across the street had 6 kids, and did foster care, and those kids were at our house a LOT. When DD did want more 'kids around', she went over there or they came to our house. I know she enjoyed having other kids around, but she also enjoyed having her 'space'.

I heard over the years the 'bad things' about onlies: too much time around adults and can't relate to kids; spoiled; lonely; need parents attention-can't play alone, etc.

I experienced none of that. She had plenty of friends, was quite independent and played alone from babyhood on without being lonely.

I think the only regret SHE has is that she won't ever be an 'aunt'; but, she has lots of older cousins having babies now, so I tell her it's almost the same. And, her fiance (yeah, I know, WAY to young to get married next year but they have promised no kids until college done and jobs obtained, keep fingers crossed) has siblings so she'll be an aunt to them.

My DS is an only. I really stressed the importance of friends in his life and when he started daycare at 1 there were 10 kids around him for 8 hours a day. He started having sleepovers at 5. Now at 11, he has so many friends that his weekends-book out a week in advance with 1 - 3 boys here all weeken. He rotates a large group of boys, constant calls and texts, with boys of all types of personalities and backgrounds. Dude is popular and his social calendar is exhausting. He is outgoing and smart. Bonus is he can chat up adults and has excellent manners.

Sincerely, proud mama.🏆