AMA
I'm an only child of two only children - AMA
Joshung · 20/02/2023 17:15
I'm an only child so were both my parents - AMA
00100001 · 20/02/2023 17:16
Do you think you missed out on the auntie and uncle and cousin relationship?
KittyMcKitty · 20/02/2023 17:17
I’m an only child of an only child and married to an only child. (I have two children though).
ferneytorro · 20/02/2023 17:20
I'm an only child as is my husband and we have one child. What would someone ask about that, it isn't very interesting am i missing something? I'm an only as I was a mistake, husband an only as his parents thought they couldn't have children and were older so stopped at one and my child is an only because I didn't get pregnant til late thirties so again happy with one. I'd not thought that was unique!
Joshung · 20/02/2023 17:24
CatsGinAndTwiglets · 20/02/2023 17:16
Nice amount of inheritance heading you way then?
It's already arrived
Joshung · 20/02/2023 17:26
00100001 · 20/02/2023 17:16
Do you think you missed out on the auntie and uncle and cousin relationship?
Yes - at the time I thought my lack of any other family - siblings/aunties/cousins was the cause of my problems. As an adult I realise the cause of my problems wasn't lack of family at all - it was totally due to my parents' emotional immaturity
Joshung · 20/02/2023 17:26
SteveBuscemisRheumyEye · 20/02/2023 17:18
Do you have any children yourself?
Yes one
mackthepony · 20/02/2023 17:27
Ha, I have a brother but my parents are both only children...so no cousins, aunts, uncles etc
Joshung · 20/02/2023 17:29
ferneytorro · 20/02/2023 17:20
I'm an only child as is my husband and we have one child. What would someone ask about that, it isn't very interesting am i missing something? I'm an only as I was a mistake, husband an only as his parents thought they couldn't have children and were older so stopped at one and my child is an only because I didn't get pregnant til late thirties so again happy with one. I'd not thought that was unique!
Someone may ask as there are a lot of 'only child' threads on here so clearly family size is an issue for many. FWIW I don't think a child 'needs' siblings - although that's not detracting from the fact it can often be a great relationship
JoanThursday · 20/02/2023 17:31
I have a relative (by marriage) who is in the same position: she has no siblings or cousins etc.
She says that, as she gets older, she's aware that she has no one who shares her memories of childhood and that makes her quite sad. I wondered if that's quite common: do you feel that?
Joshung · 20/02/2023 17:35
JoanThursday · 20/02/2023 17:31
I have a relative (by marriage) who is in the same position: she has no siblings or cousins etc.
She says that, as she gets older, she's aware that she has no one who shares her memories of childhood and that makes her quite sad. I wondered if that's quite common: do you feel that?
Yes I definitely feel that. On my parents' death anniversaries- there's no one to share feelings with - I just take a moment on my own to remember them. However I've got other good things in my life so this is by no means the end of the world
ReviewingTheSituation · 20/02/2023 17:37
I'm (almost) the same - I do have an aunt and cousin on my dad's side, but I've probably seen them 5 times in my life.
I wasn't an only, but my sibling died as a teen.
It makes me very sad that I have missed out on all those relationships, and makes me worried for what will come when my parents inevitably need more help.
My DH has a brother (both PIL are dead now), but they don't really have much to do with each other - haven't seen him for over 18 months. And he has no cousins either.
I long to have some of those big family occasions that other people have... but hey ho, it is what it is.
AGoldenNarwhal · 20/02/2023 17:41
Would you have more children or are you 'one and done' (assuming it's your choice)?
Joshung · 20/02/2023 17:44
ReviewingTheSituation · 20/02/2023 17:37
I'm (almost) the same - I do have an aunt and cousin on my dad's side, but I've probably seen them 5 times in my life.
I wasn't an only, but my sibling died as a teen.
It makes me very sad that I have missed out on all those relationships, and makes me worried for what will come when my parents inevitably need more help.
My DH has a brother (both PIL are dead now), but they don't really have much to do with each other - haven't seen him for over 18 months. And he has no cousins either.
I long to have some of those big family occasions that other people have... but hey ho, it is what it is.
Even though I'm strongly in the 'children don't need siblings' camp - I think big family get together dare nice for people who have good relationships with theirs
Regarding the 'care' issue - I see what you mean but don't worry - for me it sort of 'sorted itself out' iyswim. Things often do
Dacadactyl · 20/02/2023 18:31
Wow. I just cannot imagine this at all. My husband and I are from big extended families, although we only have one sibling each.
How old is your child and would you have more? Has your child started asking for siblings yet?
Dacadactyl · 20/02/2023 18:41
Also, do you find yourself spending mega money at Christmas and on your child's birthday presents, because of a lack of family gifts?
HeidiWhole · 20/02/2023 18:53
CatsGinAndTwiglets · 20/02/2023 17:16
Nice amount of inheritance heading you way then?
What a charming comment.
EarringsandLipstick · 20/02/2023 18:55
CatsGinAndTwiglets · 20/02/2023 17:16
Nice amount of inheritance heading you way then?
What a horrible post 😡
Willowtre1 · 20/02/2023 18:57
Do you think you will have more than one yourself, or has your experience not made you feel you need to have more than one? I have an only and sometimes feel bad for not having a second so they have someone else to reminisce about childhood
Kissedbyfire1 · 20/02/2023 19:02
We had a Chinese student work for us for a while. He was fascinated by our family as cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters were all unknown to him and everyone else in his generation in China.
cptartapp · 20/02/2023 19:06
Would you swap half the inheritance for a sibling? Honestly?
CatsGinAndTwiglets · 20/02/2023 19:07
EarringsandLipstick · 20/02/2023 18:55
What a horrible post 😡
CatsGinAndTwiglets · 20/02/2023 17:16
Nice amount of inheritance heading you way then?
Wasn’t intended to be horrible, just an observation that the only children of only children that I know have all inherited multiple properties and are very comfortable financially. I’m not an only, am married to someone from a large family and have three kids myself so none of us will be able to stop work due to income from rentals like my friends can!
Mumofone1993 · 20/02/2023 19:30
Joshung · 20/02/2023 17:15
I'm an only child so were both my parents - AMA
I'm one of two, but am strongly considering leaving my son as an only for various reasons. Were you ever lonely growing up and wished your parents had more kids?
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