Growing up, I didn't think much of me being an old child. I hung out with my friends, my parents and family relatives a lot that were around my age. As I grew older, I started to realize how I really appreciated being an only child.

Being young, I never really felt like I missed out on much; at times I would want a big brother for his protection or a sister to gossip and share clothes with. But as the years went on, I learned to love my independence as an only child more than ever.

When most people hear "only child," the words that come to mind are: bratty, high maintenance, spoiled, etc. You probably think they get everything they want. While that can be the case sometimes, it wasn't the case for me. My parents spoiled me with love, and laughter. I was lucky enough to be an only child to gain the close relationship I have with my parents. They both serve as both a parent and an older sibling.

Being an only child has its perks. The parents don't really have an excuse for anything because their main focus is on you, whether it be coming to support sporting events, family dates, dads/moms day, or a day to hang out. You don't really have to fight for attention to spend time with the family.

Family has always been the most important part of my life, and I'd like to thank my parents for my small little family, for raising me the way they did, and for not making me wish I desperately needed a sibling.