It is true that having a sibling can teach a child how to share, the spirit of healthy competition, how to deal with conflict, how to be responsible for someone other than yourself etc. I agree with the argument that only children do not get these opportunities in their own homes as kids with siblings do. But having a sibling does not guarantee that all these above mentioned traits will be actually internalized and create a mentally healthier person. Many people I know with siblings have unresolved issues and resentment (be it open or suppressed) that they don't handle well no matter how many years pass by. Many of these people find that outsiders often prove to be better friends than their own siblings. I disagree with the voice-over message today: All only children have a burning desire for a sibling and if they don't get one, it can have adverse psychological effects. In my opinion,
it depends a lot on the parents- if they can relate to the child enough to be a friend/confidant. Yes, only children do feel lonely or deprived sometimes. But just as one gets used to a sibling, one gets used being by one's self. And in today's world, you will very likely be alone at some point in your life no matter how many siblings or friends you have. I just hope they don't keep harping about this issue in such a tone. Such statements make parents with only children feel bad and make only children feel like something is wrong with them, which is not true.
Edited by eshabasuthakur - 12 years ago