My eldest daughter has a couple close friends who are only children—one of the topics that came up in the past was a discussion about whether or not only children got more “play time” with parents. I haven’t found any specific studies on this but thought it might make for an interesting conversation topic—I am wondering if those of us who have to split our time and attention between more than one child actually spend less time playing with our kids, or if the fact that siblings have each other to play with might influence them needing less parent play time? Or if it really makes much difference at all?
It has been a very long time since I was the parent of only one child—nearly twenty years. When I look back, I know that I probably fussed over that first baby a bit more since she had my undivided attention. What I don’t know is whether or not I would have made a more attentive playmate as she got older or if I would still have to be busy doing grown-up things and she would have had to learn to play by herself. As it was, my kids DID often have each other as playmates, although with three, I often found myself playing with the one who got excluded!
It also seems logical to me that if there are two parents and only one child—the child might have double the opportunity for parent play time and attention, although I also wonder if the child would spend more time with adults and doing adult activities than having free-form child company? I imagine that there might be studies that can proof both sides—that only children get more parent play time and/or that only children and siblings get the same amount of parent play time. What do you think? Do you have any theories or can you share personal experiences or examples?
Also: Parenting Your Only Child–What to Expect and Do