5 things to keep in mind about only children

Ranting about the assumptions people make about only children has been a part of my life since before I knew what the word assumption meant. After reading yet another comment that was likely intended to be lighthearted—but that implied that we only children are spoiled and always get our way—I thought it was time to turn this rant into a reflection. Here’s what I think is worth keeping in mind in counseling or conversation with the only children in your congregation, classroom, or elsewhere:

1. The only thing all only children have in common is being the sole living child of their parents. 

Our home lives and family situations growing up are as varied as anyone else’s. An older, wiser only child once gently corrected me when I remarked on the burden and blessing of having a strong emotional connection to one’s parents. That wasn’t her experience, and of course it is the experience of many people with siblings. Some love being only children; others dislike it. Many of us are in between.