Why didn’t your parents have more kids?
Mom got sick when she had me.
Were your parents content with one child or did they want more?
Content
Did your parents feel pressured to have more kids?
No.
What was growing up as an only child like? What was your childhood like?
Lonely, but helped in becoming my own person.
Did/do you have imaginary friends?
Yes.
Did you at some point, wish you had siblings?
Yes.
Did your parents have “the talk” with you about why you’re an only child?
Yes.
Did you ever lie about having siblings?
No.
Seeing most people with siblings, how do you cope?
I feel sad for not having that experience, but happy that I have mine.
Do you feel lonely sometimes? Would it be better if you had a sibling?
Yes, but I’m not sure, I have seen people with siblings be lonelier than me.
Are you an introvert, ambivert or extrovert?
Ambivert
Are your parents overprotective?
Not even close.
Did being an only child affect your social skills?
No
What’s your personality type?
IMFJ
Is it easy for you to make friends?
Yes
Do you consider your friends your siblings?
No
Do you want kids?If so, would you like to have an only child?
Yes, and yes.
Does being an only child sometimes affect your decisions?
Yes
Growing up, how was your relationship with your parents?
Decent, awesome with dad, iffy with mom
How is your relationship with your parents now?
Amazing, they are my best friends.
What did your parents do right and wrong, in raising an only child?
Right: fostering my personality and independence
Wrong: assuming I was always ok
What effects does being an only child have on your life (relationships, career) e.t.c?
I’ve been more successful because I have been able to choose my own path without comparison.
What are your thoughts on “Only Child Syndrome”?
It happens, but I’m unsure how much.
Growing up, did you get along well with older people?
Way more than those my age.
Do you do well with kids?
Yes, especially the little ones.
Are you spoiled? If so, in what ways?
No, I’ve done most things for myself.
When was it the most hard being an only child, childhood, adolescence or adulthood?
Being an adult and not having someone understand the dynamic of my life the way I have seen with others. An automatic best friend is not happening.
How do people react when you tell them that you’re an only child?
Surprised.
How do you feel about your birthday? Growing up, how did you celebrate birthdays? How do you celebrate birthdays now?
Birthdays are a big deal and your own holiday, I feel that way about my own and everyone around me.
Do you talk to yourself?
Hell yes
Which of these things is the most important to you? Privacy, companionship, alone time, attention.
Alone time.
Who did you blame when you did something wrong as a kid?
Myself.
What do you miss most about being a kid?
Freedom
What do you think is your best personality trait?
Sense of humor.
What do you think is your worst personality trait?
Thinking I know everything
Do you enjoy being the center of attention?
Sometimes
Have you always been a “good child”?
Yes
What life skills do you have, thanks to being an only child?
Independence, ability to be whatever I need to in order to fit into a situation,
Do you think being an only child affects mental health? If so, how?
Sometimes it can increase depression or anxiety, knowing I am the only one my parents rely on to carry on what they’ve made.
What aspects of sibling-ship makes you glad that you’re an only child?
The loss of a sibling, the fights that go on among families for money
Do you think that there are few only children, compared to people with siblings?
Yes
Do you feel the pressure to be perfect?
No, nobody is
Do you think you worry more or less about your parents because you are an only child?
More, there is no one else to worry.
Do you feel obligated to take care of your parents when they get old?
Absolutely
What are the most annoying things that people have said to you about being an only child?
“You must be spoiled”
What are things to NOT say to an only child?
“You must be spoiled”
What are the biggest misconceptions about only children?
Spoiled, get everything they want
What are the most “only child things” about you?
Independence, awkwardness
What stereotypes about only children do you not relate to?
Being spoiled or given everything.
What fears do you have, that stem from being an only child?
Being absolutely alone when my parents die.
What are disadvantages of being an only child?
You are alone in your experiences and do not get a built in friend.
What are advantages of being an only child?
Independence, rich internal world, ability to be whatever you must
What advice do you have for parents of Only children?
Foster their spirit and allow them to be whoever they want, because they will be that regardless.
What advice do you have for only children?
Be in touch with the world around you and realize you aren’t alone. The whole world is your family, they may come and go, but they are what you need at the time.
Growing up, did you have pets? Do you still have pets?
Yes and yes
How do you feel about how Only Children are portrayed in media? What are your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation?
I don’t have any tbh
What’s your general outlook on being an only child? If positive, when did you start to like being an only child?
Unsure. It’s anxiety producing as I am younger than most people I know. However it gave me the ability to be comfortable alone.
If you had a choice, would you choose to be an only child?
No