Only child - any tips

[cornflakegirl]

My DS is 2.9 and currently an only child. This isn't likely to change any time soon, if ever. He goes to various groups (he'll start going to preschool when he's 3), and we also spend a lot of time with another family who have a 2yo and a 4yo, and they are very close.

DH and I dote on DS, and while I like the fact that he gets a lot of attention from us, I don't want him to become a spoilt brat. I know that I am more patient / indulgent with his misbehaviour and idiosyncracies when it's just him, compared with when all three kids are together.

Any tips from parents of onlies on how to keep them well-adjusted - things to do or bad habits not to fall into?

The spoilt brat thing was made up in the late 1940s in an attempt to get women to have large families and therefore get out of the workforce and give the jobs back to men.

You really don't have to worry about this.

hmmm... not entirely convinced mrsgboring - I do know a few grown-up only children who have got a bit used to being mummy's precious one!

My dd is a 12 year old, normal, well adjusted only child! As long as you are prepared to put the work in with any child, they will grow up just fine. I think maybe I am even tougher on dd, just to prevent anyone saying 'oh, you can tell she's an only child.' You sound like you are doing just fine so far.

my ds is 13 and is an only child and has had my undivided attention and has been a bit adored blah blah but he is not spoilt and we have said no to him a fair bit over the years.He is an annoying teenager now and so like anyone else.I don't think you need to worry really

Violet Elizabeth Bott was a spoilt brat only child and she was first written about in the 20s.

I think being aware of the ishoos with onlies means you are well on the way to having a well adjusted child.

hehehe
wasn't meaning to be rude - I know lots of normal onlies too!

I guess I fear an extension of the PFB thing. I don't want DS to be the kid that everyone pities! I need a checklist of pitfalls so I can be on my guard!

You are thinking in exactly the right way, so as not to raise a monster or a Mummys boy, by the sound of things! You'll be/he'll be fine with that attitude!

thanks for the encouragement