12 Things You Shouldn’t Say To The Parent Of An Only Child

5. “What If You Never Get To Be A Grandparent.”

Unbelievably, this is something that people have been known to say to the parents of only children, particularly if they’re girls. Sure, it could be disappointing if a child doesn’t decide, when she’s ready, to have kids of her own, but again, having more children doesn’t necessarily guarantee grandchildren. Many people choose to have no children, just as people choose to have one or more. It’s about personal decision making, not about pressuring our kids to produce offspring.

6. “They’re Going To Grow Up Spoiled.”

Variations on this crop up all the time if you’re the parent of an only child. They hear all about their children growing up spoiled, about ‘only child syndrome’ and about all the other horrible things that an only child can turn into. Well, most of that is a load of BS. Parents of only children are often much more aware of spoiling their kids, but the fact is that more focused parental attention can have a positive impact on self-esteem, achievement, and even intelligence.

7. “Having Just One Is Selfish.”

This is another guilt driver that the parents of only children, amazingly, still hear from those around them. People say it’s selfish towards their child (explain that one to us), selfish towards the planet (wrong! overpopulation is actually a massive issue), and selfish towards just about any other end they can come up with. This is even heard by older mums who might have made the choice not to pursue more pregnancies for health reasons, but they’re still apparently selfish. Crazy.

8. “That Explains Why They’re Shy.”

Oh dear. Another side part to the concept of only children being spoiled and bratty is that they’re shy and withdrawn. Sure, some only children may very well be shy and withdrawn, just as some children from large families might be. Introversion is not a curse, it’s just a way of being, and it definitely isn’t determined by whether or not you’re an only child. So if you feel the urge to let this one out, just don’t.

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