Having an only child gives you a mature, diligent, and conscientious little perfectionist—but it also comes with some tough parenting moments. 

Fifty years ago, people frequently saw only children as socially anxious, shy, pampered, and lonely. However, the tide has shifted, and as the percentage of only children increases, their status in society has risen. According to the Pew Research Center, 22% of youngsters lacked siblings once their mothers reached the end of childbearing age in 2015, compared with 11% in 1967.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. There are families with more than 12 children, and others with none. A small family differs dramatically from a large one and, consequently, comes with an entirely different set of challenges and rewards.

Being an only child has many advantages, but there are disadvantages, too.

Does being an only child mean you are destined to be lonely?

Definitely Not! It’s important to understand that not having more children isn’t hurting your only child and isn’t destined to be lonely, pampered, or spoiled.

As a parent, there is much you can do to help your child adapt to being an only child and suffer less loneliness.