Is no children better than one? From a child’s perspective

Sorry I’ve realised I ended up asking the same question but in different ways. Pls answer the question at the top to avoid confusing the poll

I think many only children actually have an advantage. No siblings can mean more time, energy, & money is focused on them. The argument I hear the most against being "one and done" is that they'll be lonely, but there are so many places to have your child socialize with others and I've never really met an only child who didn't have any friends, their time was just spent more with their parents or friends instead of siblings.

So i know there are siblings that get along. But I know a lot of siblings that don't talk at all. Can't stand each other. So having more than one doesn't always mean they will have a best friend for life. There are no guarantees. A friend I had was an only child and loved it. I asked if she wanted siblings and she said no. But my mom is an only child and hates it. It's hard because you will never know how things turn out.

yes definitely around loneliness but especially in older age ie when the child grows up. Personally I’ve found starting new friendships much harder when you’re older whereas having siblings means you there isn’t as much focus to be seeking out friendships.
Although I do hear what you are saying about spending time more with parents and wider family. Thanks for your perspective 🙏

I'm not sure if there's a connection to this either, but most of the only children I've befriended have had a very close relationship with their parents whereas friends I've had with siblings usually weren't as close with their parents (ex. visit home more often, regular dinners together, regular phone calls, vacations together)

im actually the only child myself although my cousin and i were brought up like sisters so we are close. Regarding the societal pressure comment, I’m from a country where it’s very common to have an only one child but in the uk it really does feel like an expectation to have two. But you’re spot on, it’s about what’s right for each family.
I’m sorry about your experience with siblings, family dynamics can be complex and it’s a reminder that there are no guarantees of siblings getting along. Thanks for sharing 🙏

Alternative perspective I’m 1/4 and wish I was an only child. From 13 til I left for college all my siblings moved out/away and it was the happiest part of my childhood.
Having subpar siblings had made me bitter and resentful

Im one and done and guilt is not a reason to have another child. They will be fine lol

Pretty sure my child will grow up happy that we’ll be able to afford more trips, fun memories and experiences for him all while never having to compete for our attention because we have just one kid.

My mum group of 5 have 4 mums in it that have an “only child” all the boys are around the same age only 1-2 years apart and we do play dates every single fortnight. Mums w a single child can socialise and make play dates to make up for the lack of siblings to play with. Enrol them in activities and take them to groups etc. Hubby is an only child but he also has 2 besties that he’s close to. I think in the end friends make up for that. Shame if they’re antisocial/introverted though, as that means it’ll be much harder for them to make friends and feel lonelier than the extroverted only children. His mum (my MIL) actually always shared house w other single mums w kids so he was actually never lonely growing up he was surrounded w aunties and kids. Up until the day I met him she was still sharing house.

I think what a child prefers depends on the child and the family dynamic. Children usually want siblings so they have someone to play with and bond with, but many only children get those needs filled with other children in their families or having a large community.
My only child would love a sibling, but she's happy (and spoiled). I don't know how I could answer from the child's perspective because I don't think a child would prefer to be born into another family or not be alive because of being an only child.

I think people should have the amount of children they want and they are capable of taking care of. If that number is 1, that’s perfect.

A ton of my son’s classmates are only children. They seem fine and well adjusted and honestly have a lot more opportunities than my son.

I’ve had a great life as an only child. And no, contrary to many people’s assumptions I’ve not been spoilt nor am I a brat that cant socialise with others nor have I been lonely for all of time. I am also a solo parent by donor conception to an only son. He will also have the best life I can give him. I’ve consciously made that decision based on my capacity and affordability and it’s one that has been hard to make. A lot of the people I grew up with had awful relationships with their siblings or don’t care for them as adults. Siblings aren’t everything in life. Good, strong connections and relationships are.

We laugh, we smile, we cook, we tidy, we play, we explore, he’s in nursery 3 days a week and is extremely sociable.

Having children is about love and connection (for me) not what society expectations are. X

As someone who has siblings and rarely talks to said siblings. Having siblings doesnt garantee you wont be lonley.

Heck my mum moans most days about her brothers. My nans 93 and needs help daily because she refuses to have careers in her home (shes weird she doesnt like anyone going in that isnt family, not even the neibours shes been next to for over 15 years that take her shopping). Honestly my mum argues with her brothers weekly over who will go round next and my mum ends up doing 95% of the care work because well theyre both useless.