One child syndrome to be fixed by having a 2nd one?

[tryinghardtohide]

Have lately seen two of my friends plan to have a 2nd hoping that would magically make the very difficult DS (1st and only child now) become an easier and more loving child.

One has a boy of 6 years old and the other have a three years old. Both very strong willed and hit (being disrespectful to) their parents.

The one six years old also has low self-esteem issue, as he feels he can't stop himself doing things which he knows are not right.

The three years old little one hits his parents and has tantrums nearly everyone hour. Doesn't like to be told. And his parents always give in...

They are all very nice/kind adults. I feel bad for them and can't see how having a 2nd could help. Or... Maybe it would force the 1st learn and the parents to learn too?

Well as research indicates that 'one child syndrome' doesn't exist I can't see how it will help. The issue is probably parenting but may also be influenced by MH etc. I would be very surprised if a sibling improves behaviour, in fact I would think it would have the opposite effect. Siblings have many benefits but improving the behaviour of their older sibling isn't as far as I am aware one of them (not to mention that that is an awful amount of pressure to put on a child).