Am I overthinking this?

[unicornglitter123]

First time mum....my DD is 4. We have been TTC number 2 but I don't think it is going to happen...
I've been coming to terms with having one but have a fear about her growing up as an only.
At play dates with children from her class I feel like it's noticeable that they have siblings and she doesn't... they are more confident, bit more pushy at playground etc...voice their opinion. Where as my DD seems to hold back a bit...isn't pushy etc.
I'm trying to socialise her as much as I can..
I'm not the biggest social person, I'd say I was more of an introvert than an extrovert.
Im worried DD is like me a bit...
And I'm worried she won't be able to exert herself at school...
anyone with older onlys have any advice 😊

DD is 6.5 and an only child. She's also one of the older children in the year, which I think makes a difference. She had a close knit group of friends at preschool, which helped to give her confidence... and she attended nursery full time from 12 months.

DD is at a relatively new school. It's for YR to Y6, but only has up to Y2 at the moment, so most children don't have older siblings unless they are significantly older. Perhaps this has made a difference to the behaviour of the children.

DS is an only child and tbh I notice more advantages in him compared to kids with siblings. Eg he’s confident talking to adults, he’s very in tune with what he wants and what he likes. I think part of that is parenting - making his feelings and needs/wants important, but I do think it’s also because of the space and attention that being an only child brings.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each set up. Your DD will be okay either way. It’s just about being conscious of the nurturing that she as an individual needs and working out how best to give that to her in the circumstances you’re in.

Always the best thing you can do as a parent is to work on your own emotional health as that will play through to how you are in your relationship with your child.

(My DS is 10 btw)