Growing Up An Only Child | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Growing Up An Only Child

With no other children to occupy my time, I found myself either alone or making conversation with adults.

32
Growing Up An Only Child
az616578.vo.msecnd.net

Many people think that not having siblings is a blessing; and it's fun most of the time. However, it would have been nice at times to have a partner in crime.

Here are a few highlights of the only child life:

1. More Mature

By default, I became more mature than the rest of my peers. My goals were always my priority while having fun was everyone else’s. I spent most of my free time with adults or by myself. I was more comfortable around adults than I was my own peers.

2. Getting asked if I’m spoiled

No, I don't have anyone to battle with for the T.V. remote. Yes, I get an abundance of presents during the holidays. But, I don't have a brother or sister to share memories with or to lean on in times of trouble. It also would have been nice to have someone close to my age to hang out with when I was younger.

3. Making up my own games

The worst part of not having a sibling was the fact that adults never wanted to play childish games. I found myself trying to occupy my own time in the most ridiculous ways. I have to say, it did make me creative.

4. Communication Skills

With no other children to occupy my time, I found myself either alone or making conversation with adults. I have gotten so skilled with the older generation’s jargon that I could navigate my way through any conversation, be it politics or workplace drama.

5. High Expectations

I was my parent’s only hope. If I failed, it wasn't as if there was another child who could still achieve greatness. There was always a lot of pressure to be the ideal child and make my parents proud.

6. No Borrowing

While I was never obligated to share my belongings with someone else, I never had the chance to steal clothes from a sister or borrow money from a brother. I had to fend for myself when my allowance money ran out.

7. There is no one else to blame.

My parents always knew exactly who ate the extra cookie before bedtime. They knew when I accidentally deleted their favorite show from the DVR or when I shattered my mother's favorite casserole dish. I could never put the blame on anyone else so I had to learn from a very young age to own up to all of my mistakes.

8. My mom is my best friend

With no one else to occupy my mother’s attention, I am able to go to her whenever I need advice or just a friend. If there is ever a problem, she has always been the first person I would turn to. She is ultimately my best friend; always has been and always will be.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

697
best wishes for Christmas
Pinterest

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas Socks  Fireplace
Wesley Tingey

Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less
smiling girl in pink and white stripe shirt

I'll never forget the day that someone told me these words: "Madison, I think you're a good friend to everyone but yourself." I stood there completely in awe of that statement. Before that day, I never really thought about being a friend to myself, and at the time, I didn't really know what it meant. Now, I realize that you can't fully be there for other people unless you're there for yourself, too. You can't show up for others until you're willing to show up for yourself.

Here are five things everyone should learn in order to be a better friend to themselves. These steps are hard, but they're so worth it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas decorations
YouTube

Finals, exams and papers - oh my! The only thing keeping you sane at the moment is the thought that Christmas break is near. Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Here are some simple things you can do to stay motivated and get into the Christmas spirit.

1. Play Christmas Music

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

21 Things We All Love About Winter

Despite the cold, you might find that there is a lot to love about winter.

904
pine cone winter
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

We all have a love hate relationship with winter, lets be real here. The snow makes people forget how to drive, its cold, the roads are bad, and chances are, you will be spending a lot more money than you do during the other months of the year. If you’re from the Midwest, it seems to be that winter lasts for what feels like forever. But despite the struggles that winter brings, there are so many things to love about it.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments