Clicky poll: only children are:

ka2shaz

An article in the Time magazine surprised me, so I am posting a poll to see what you ladies think.[Poll]

ashnoelle

I put other because while I think the experience of an only child likely makes them different than a child with siblings, I do not believe any of the other answers are (necessarily) true. 

lmpdjc

I don't think they are any of those things or can be all of those things.  It depends on how they are raised.

robinsokj

Only children can be any of those things

miaomi

lmpdjc:

I don't think they are any of those things or can be all of those things.  It depends on how they are raised.

This!

IrishBrideND

no different.

 

EVERY type of child has a stereotype. That doesn't make it true. And just because you happen to know an only who is ______ doesn't mean all our.

 

For the record, I am basically an only (2 half sisters 10 years younger than me who I never lived with). I love(d) it

ka2shaz

I said "on average" because there are obviously other factors. I was just asking in general terms to see if you think there is a stereotype.

robinsokj

ka2shaz:

I said "on average" because there are obviously other factors. I was just asking in general terms to see if you think there is a stereotype.

If you know there are many factors, then why are you asking "on average?"

I am an only child.  I find myself to be independent, intelligent, yadda yadda.  I know other only children like myself.  I also know only children who are spoiled brats.  I also know kids with lots of siblings who are brats.  

rmaxim

ashnoelle:

I put other because while I think the experience of an only child likely makes them different than a child with siblings, I do not believe any of the other answers are (necessarily) true. 

This. DH is an only child, I'm the oldest of 7. We both had very different childhoods and very different ideas of family as a result. 

kellialayne

I am an only child and people always say, "I wouldnt have guessed that".  Not sure why only children have such a reputation for being brats and selfish.

 Anyhow, it was fine growing up but now I wish I had a brother or a sister.  I am not close to my parents so it would be nice to have that bond.  Also, if anything happens to them its all one me - I will have no help when/if they get sick and need assistance which sucks since I live 4.5 hours away. 

IrishBrideND

rmaxim:

ashnoelle:

I put other because while I think the experience of an only child likely makes them different than a child with siblings, I do not believe any of the other answers are (necessarily) true. 

This. DH is an only child, I'm the oldest of 7. We both had very different childhoods and very different ideas of family as a result. 

right, but I assume you both had different childhoods from those who are the middle of 3, too.

So I think EVER type of child can be different. Why is it always paired, though, as onlys vs "other" types.