Family: How being an only child is different from being a sibling.

Some people prefer to have a bunch of siblings to have fun with, tease, annoy and hang out with while others rather go with the solitude and quiet of the house, void of fights and bickering, devoid of chatter and noise and be the only one with their parents. Both situations have their respective ups and downs.

As an only child, you are able to focus well on your studies without having to cope with the chaos caused by siblings. You are able to relax in the confines of your home without having any sibling related task to tend to and have more time to socialize and interact with people around you like friends and schoolmates. Also, you enjoy the privilege of being a little spoiled and have your own way with things, while with siblings, you have to give in to the whimpering demands of younger ones or surrender to the authority of the elder. Being an only child helps you explore more about yourself and give yourself some quality me time.

However, the scenario involving siblings has just as many, if not more, advantages. Siblings are unmatched companions. You are hesitant to reveal something to a friend for fear of being judged but you can always head off to your sister or brother to share matters without the slightest worry. An only child holds all the responsibility, but if you are a younger child or even the middle one, you are partly relieved of the responsibilities which are then carried by the elder siblings. Your siblings have always got your back and despite the regular mini fights, they are always ready to defend you and fight for you when you are vulnerable. Also, one cannot play well on their own but can divide into teams with siblings and hold proper matches. With siblings, you can toss around the blame but when it’s just you, you get the full blame. An only child is prone to becoming slightly selfish and does not socialize well later in life as they grew up with few interactions while interactions with siblings implement the qualities of selflessness, compromise and care.

Narrowing it down to perspective and experience, we can say one might prefer being an only child or prefer sibling partnership. Many are neutral about this topic and your choice depends on your personality and mood. In such cases, there is also one choice one day and the second one the other.