There’s no reason to feel left out if you weren’t able to celebrate National Siblings Day that just went by on April 10. After all, today is National Only Child Day!
Like everything else, being an only child comes with certain rewards and some pitfalls. Those who have grown up with siblings understand the pain (or joy) of sharing –whether it is clothes, stationery, food, games, the TV remote or your very room.
Single kids get to enjoy everything by themselves! They get their own room, space and don’t have to share their belongings. There’s also no sibling rivalry or unfavourable comparisons made by adults; they get to enjoy their parents’ undivided attention and are always going to be their parents’ favourite child, no questions asked!
Many only children will vouch for the fact that it’s great to never have to wait their turn to use the restroom—that is, unless their home is shared by multiple generations. Parental attention is rarely divided—that is, unless, the only child was raised by a single parent who worked full-time. As finances aren’t split between siblings, single children are also likely to pick from a variety of extracurricular activities to participate in as they get older. The extra advantage of these activities is making new acquaintances and fostering social interaction.
Several decades ago, when the infant mortality rate was at its peak, people rarely had a single child. Gradually, population control took over and the average family size reduced to just one child somewhere around the 1970s. Worldwide demographics started to change around this time as well. According to researchers, the world wars, standard of living and rising living costs may have contributed to the fall in birth rates. Eventually, one-child homes became the norm in many countries across the globe.
We spoke to some women and asked them to share their experience as an only child.
‘As an only child, I don’t have to share my food with anyone else!’
-Sara Lokhandwala
‘As an only child, I’ve always been preoccupied keeping myself busy with art and music. It’s weird but after days of socialising, I really need to just be alone.’
- Aditi Menon
‘As a single child, I only know how to be an individualistic human being. I never had a figure to look up to or rely on. It is just my way and that is how I know life.’
-Srishti
‘The best thing about being an only child? My wardrobe is all mine! No sharing, no sibling squabbles – just me and my fashion kingdom.’
-Sonali Valecha
Here’s to celebrating the individuality and independent spirit of a single child!