"Growing up, I heard it constantly: "Oh, you must have been so lonely as an only child." People would look at my friend Emma with this mix of pity and concern, as if she'd been raised by wolves instead of loving parents. They'd ask if she wished for siblings, assuming her childhood was some tragic tale of isolation and imaginary friends."
"I saw this with Emma constantly. While I'd call my younger brother for help with everything from assembling furniture to navigating career decisions (though he initially thought my writing career wasn't "real" until I covered tech layoffs and suddenly he wanted my advice), Emma had developed this incredible ability to tackle challenges independently. She'd research, experiment, and find solutions without needing constant validation or assistance."
Only children are frequently stereotyped as lonely or spoiled. Psychology research indicates only children often develop exceptional qualities due to their unique family dynamics. They become self-sufficient, learning to rely on themselves and develop problem-solving skills without sibling models. They tend to be resourceful, creative, independent, and rule-following per Psych Central. Many only children cultivate social confidence and creativity, and they tackle challenges through research, experimentation, and independent problem-solving without seeking constant validation. Personal examples show only children can be socially successful and resilient, disproving assumptions of deprivation or damage.
Read at Silicon Canals
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