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Original poster

Abroad with only child and feel like I'm not entertaining enough??

133 replies

Pondering455 · 05/08/2025 15:24

Me and my husband are blessed with a wonderful son. I always wanted more children but secondary infertility put a stop to this. But of course we are immensely happy with the one we have!

I'm currently abroad visiting my family and we've been to the swimming baths today. Everywhere I look it seems there are siblings and I constantly feel that me and husband aren't enough entertainment for my son, though he seems happy enough with us.... I kind of wonder if anyone is looking at me and thinking he should have a sibling to play with- is this just me projecting?? When we are at home in England were often out with friends children so it doesn't really feel that way.....

OP posts:
kersh33 · 05/08/2025 15:34

That’s a really harsh reply and I don’t think is particularly accurate. I have an only and DD is currently at a holiday club having a lovely time doing all sorts of activities with her friends. It doesn’t stop her coming home and saying how much she is looking forward to next week when we will be visiting her nana as a family with no other children.

We do make more of an effort with her when we are on holiday than maybe other families - but to be honest I like spending time with her and she likes spending one on one time with us.

Dartmoorcheffy · 05/08/2025 15:33

Ill be honest. As an only child I really didn't enjoy holidays with my parents. It was quite lonely. As I got older we went away with my cousins and that was much more fun.

Enchanted82 · 05/08/2025 15:32

And pay no attention to the previous poster, what a ridiculous thing to say!

Enchanted82 · 05/08/2025 15:31

I have one and am so happy with our little family. Don’t let anyone make you think you’re not enough, what children need is love, care, to feel safe and to be listened to. Sounds like your son has more than that.
siblings can never replace the love and security of parents and remember so many children ( who may have siblings) are in very unhappy homes.

Original poster
Pondering455 · 05/08/2025 15:30

MeganM3 · 05/08/2025 15:28

You are probably right that you aren’t enough entertainment and it isn’t that fun for him. Most people I know with only children do lots of activities/ holidays with other families so that there are children for their kid to hang out with and they can occupy eachother. Friend or cousins.

Oh goodness me I wish I never asked I feel awful 😞

OP posts:
PicaK · 05/08/2025 15:30

You're projecting. Honestly.
Ask him if he would have liked to have a sibling - you'll get a yes.
Ask him if he wants the latest xbox* for Xmas. Note the total enthusiasm x100 for this.
(*his equivalent of what my son would want)
We actually did this when we looked at adoption (advice from a book) and it was a good lesson.
He's fine. Provide access to socialisation, encourage play dates etc He's not deprived.

BasicBrumble · 05/08/2025 15:29

Really harsh first reply. Plenty of families have one child and manage just fine. I think you are overthinking. It's good for kids not to have constant stimulation anyway. I had a brother but always ignored him on holiday (I was a reader). Your son doesn't know any different and will be fine.

MeganM3 · 05/08/2025 15:28

You are probably right that you aren’t enough entertainment and it isn’t that fun for him. Most people I know with only children do lots of activities/ holidays with other families so that there are children for their kid to hang out with and they can occupy eachother. Friend or cousins.