Pros and cons

[Seaglass87]

Can people please share the good and bad things about having one child in their experience? My DD is 27 months and I'm so torn as to whether or not I want another one. I know all children are different, but it would be good to get some real life experiences 😀

Hello! There is an amazing thread here called 'The joys of one', it's a real eye opener on sticking at one 😊 of course there will be pros and cons of either way.
Personally I would say:
Pros:
close relationship
No dividing time between siblings
Money (major reason for us!)
Easier for days out/holidays
Easier for babysitters
Sleepless nights are few and far between (I know this is only the baby stage that is an issue but I'd struggle to do it again!)
Cons (or pros of having more):
Siblings to play with, this can have pros and cons really. Just because a child has a sibling doesn't mean they will get along. But if they do, then it would probably be very lovely. 😊

At the end of the day, it's all about how you feel as a family. Do you feel something is missing? Or do you feel like you're complete and happy as you are? My DD is also 27 months and I'm really enjoying being able to spend the one on one time with her 😊

I have just found out I am pregnant with dc2. I'm feeling really apprehensive... I have a wonderful 3yo who we adore. She is so happy and we are at such a good stage with her. She sleeps well, is kind, polite, funny and thoughtful. Our little family of 3 is totally perfect. I have my body back and my social life etc. But... I was an only child and although I had an idyllic upbringing I was very lonely and always felt so jealous of my friends with siblings. Even though my dd is extremely confident and happy as she is, I don't want to deprive her of something I wanted so much. I'm excited to see our family grow but not looking forward to starting again with the sleepless nights etc !!

I have one DC who is 7. The thought of him having no one to share the burden with when we are old is my main concern. But here I am, my brother nowhere to be seen or heard, caring for my ageing father after my mum died 5 years ago. I never expected life to turn out this way. Siblings aren't all that and in my case they may as well not exist.

I have one son who is 7 now. Found the baby stage really hard which put me off having another. Did consider it when he was about 5 but decided against it.

I'm really glad I only have one.

We can give him our undivided attention and support. Things like hobbies and school work are easy.

Money - far more spare than if we had two.

No juggling needs.

Holidays are lovely.

Our home is peaceful.

He's at a great stage now and I wouldn't want to have another in tow as well. This afternoon, DS and I went on a beavers outing and had so much fun -we couldn't have done it with another one as well.

@PumpkinPie2016.. absolutely agreed! Your pros make me remember why I didn't have another! Like you, I found the first few years a real strain as I was nearly 41 when I had DS and although we ttc I wasn't really on board and we didn't try much! I then went thru the guilt stage and now I think I finally have come out the other end of it and now at 49 I know in my heart that's it, I have to close the door.
The One Child Families thread has helped more than I ever thought possible

My baby is only 8 months and I definitely want a sibling for him. I totally get the pros for one: less money, less time, more sleep(!) which are super important but I think it's important to have an ally growing up. Yes the siblings might not get on, and might not ever even play with eachother but I think it's important as they grow up. Also important for things like holidays (IMO of course). I wouldn't like my son to be 9 years old and bored stuff

Sibling bonds can be life long good friends. They will always be your siblings.

Having one child and constantly having to be the one to play is difficult and it's awful to watch close neighbours all with siblings... after they have played together and then they go in and your child is left alone. It's not nice at all.