Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Criticism of only child households

Seeker · 05-16-2005, 05:38 PM

I have one child, a daughter. I was often asked when I was having a baby brother or sister.. many peoples reactions were 'shock and terror' when I stated.. oh no, I'm only having the one, one is plenty.

The fact that I didn't have a partner helped greatly as I could just state that considering I didn't have a partner then I wouldn't think about having another child.

I have found it is more difficult to raise one child as opposed to when there are 2+ children in a household. I often look at my friends who have at least 3 children, and I don't think they pay attention to the children the same way I pay attention to my daughter. Their kids are pretty much left to their own devices and the only time they get adult interaction is when they are in need of dicipline or they are given tasks. It may sound a bit harsh but I don't see them as being 'friends' with their children as I am with my daughter.

I think I am lucky that I have great communication and a friendship with my daughter (who is 12 now), we talk about everything from her problems at school to fun banter... she will talk with me about anything. I think it's a shame that my friends don't have that same relationship with their children.

I'm not saying that one child is the only way to go, and I know these other families have their own good and bad aspects. I think it boils down to the fact that people should be happy with what they have, and remember that what is good for the goose, may not always be good for the other goose.

05-16-2005, 05:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
Seeker Getting Clearer Location: with spirit	I have one child, a daughter. I was often asked when I was having a baby brother or sister.. many peoples reactions were 'shock and terror' when I stated.. oh no, I'm only having the one, one is plenty. The fact that I didn't have a partner helped greatly as I could just state that considering I didn't have a partner then I wouldn't think about having another child. I have found it is more difficult to raise one child as opposed to when there are 2+ children in a household. I often look at my friends who have at least 3 children, and I don't think they pay attention to the children the same way I pay attention to my daughter. Their kids are pretty much left to their own devices and the only time they get adult interaction is when they are in need of dicipline or they are given tasks. It may sound a bit harsh but I don't see them as being 'friends' with their children as I am with my daughter. I think I am lucky that I have great communication and a friendship with my daughter (who is 12 now), we talk about everything from her problems at school to fun banter... she will talk with me about anything. I think it's a shame that my friends don't have that same relationship with their children. I'm not saying that one child is the only way to go, and I know these other families have their own good and bad aspects. I think it boils down to the fact that people should be happy with what they have, and remember that what is good for the goose, may not always be good for the other goose. __________________ *To those who wander but who are not lost...* ~ Knowledge is not something you acquire, it is something you open yourself to.