As a mom of an only child, I’ve heard my fair share of eyebrow-raising comments. Here are eight remarks that often leave me feeling a bit uneasy:
- You must have so much time to yourself. Sure, I dream of kicking back with some popcorn and binge-watching my favorite series. But let’s be real: being a mom—whether to one or more—comes with the same laundry, cleaning, and cooking demands. My time is filled with caring for my child and managing the household just like any mom.
- Isn’t having one child a bit selfish? If I choose not to have another child, does that make me selfish? I dedicate my days to nurturing and loving my daughter. I don’t see that as a selfish choice; rather, it’s a conscious decision based on what feels right for our family.
- Your poor child. She must be so lonely. It’s a common belief that only children are lonely, but children with siblings can feel lonely too. I trust that as my daughter grows, she’ll create friendships that fill her life with joy and connection.
- Take it from me, having more is way better. I’m genuinely happy for you and your family, but I’m also perfectly content with my one child. Just because you believe more is better doesn’t mean I share that view. I know what works best for us.
- She will grow up to be selfish and entitled. This is a common worry among parents, but is there any concrete evidence that only children are doomed to entitlement? I’ll raise my daughter with strong values, just like any other parent would, and hope for the best.
- Don’t you want a boy (or girl)? My happiness doesn’t hinge on my child’s gender. I’m grateful for my vibrant and healthy daughter. Families come in all varieties, and I’m proud of ours.
- But what about when you die? This isn’t a topic I relish discussing; it’s painful to think about my daughter losing a parent. Siblings don’t always guarantee comfort, either—some may not even get along. I hope she’ll be surrounded by a loving community, no matter what happens.
- You need to have another one. She’s just too cute to be an only child. Yes, she’s adorable and unique, but cuteness isn’t a reason to expand our family. I didn’t realize that was a standard for parenting decisions.
While I’m open to the idea of having another child in the future, right now we’re perfectly happy with our one. The challenges my daughter will face in life will be far greater than just being an only child. After all, all parents face their own hurdles, whether they have one kid or a dozen.
Let’s support one another in our parenting choices. A big thank you from this mom of one!
If you’re interested in more insights on parenting, make sure to check out this article for additional tips. Also, for those exploring family options, Cryobaby offers valuable resources. For a deeper understanding of pregnancy and fertility, tune in to this Cleveland Clinic podcast.