Only children have many of the characteristics of first-born children only in triplicate. They tend to be even more responsible and greater perfectionists. They are comfortable with adults because they spend most of their time in adult company.
Only Child Traits
- Close relationship to parents
- Good self control
- Leadership Skills
- Mature
- Dependable
- Unforgiving
- Demanding
- Sensitive – feelings easily hurt
- Difficulty sharing
- Overly critical of others
- Private
- May feel under pressure to succeed
- Also many of the first-born characteristics
Parenting the Only Child
Let them be a child.
Only children are often mature for their age and it is easy for parents to forget that they are children. Do not burden your child with adult issues; share those problems with a spouse or friend.
Involve him in peer-group situations.
Only children do not have other children to play with at home. So as a parent you need to make sure that they play with other children, this could be at daycare, a friend in the neighborhood, or cousins. Playing with other children provides opportunities for your child to learn how to share. They also learn how to communicate with other children.
Don’t expect perfection.
Just like first-born children, only children feel pressure from their parents to be perfect. They know they are the only child and therefore have to live up to all of their parent’s expectations. Share your expectations but make sure that you aren’t expecting more than your child can give. Let them know that it is okay to make mistakes.
Fun Only Child Facts
Only children are the mega movers of the world.
Some famous only children that have been in politics and the public eye include Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Alan Greenspan.
Some famous only child athletes include Joe Montana and Tiger Woods.
There are also a fair share of famous only child actors and actresses like: Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Robin Williams, Elizabeth Taylor, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert DeNiro, Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Other famous only children include Elvis Presley, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Other Blogs on Birth Order
“Does Birth Order Affect Personality?”
“Parenting Your Oldest Child – What to Expect and Do”.
“Parenting Your Middle Child – What to Expect and Do.”
“Parenting Your Youngest Child – What to Expect and Do.”