5 Characteristics of Only Children that Parents Need to Know

Kapanlagi.com - The character of a child who grows up as an only child is indeed different from a child who has siblings. Only children, with their unique characteristics developed in a family without the presence of siblings, tend to sharpen their social intelligence and higher level of independence. Intensive interaction with parents becomes one of the driving factors for this development.

Although these uniqueness provides advantages, there are specific aspects that parents need to understand in order to support the optimal growth and development of only children. Deep understanding of emotional needs, responsibilities, and family dynamics is the key to shaping a balanced and happy character of an only child.

By understanding the character of an only child, parents have the opportunity to provide better support in shaping the child's personality. Here are various characteristics of only children, as summarized from various sources on Thursday (7/12/2023).

1. High Independence

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Based on information from the Choosing Therapy website, children who grow up as only children tend to show independent traits. They often engage in various activities in their own lives, which shape their sense of independence.

Unlike children with siblings, where the majority of their daily activities are done as part of "shared activities" within a wider family scope.

2. Achieving Many Accomplishments

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As the only descendant in the family, only children bear the responsibility of meeting all of their parents' expectations. They feel burdened by the pressure to achieve high accomplishments, both academically and in their future careers.

Nevertheless, the uniqueness of being an only child opens up broad opportunities for them to achieve various accomplishments, considering that all of their parents' support and attention are focused solely on them.

3. Ambitious

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According to Mom Junction, only children tend to show ambitious traits, and in some situations, their level of ambition can exceed that of the eldest child.

The high level of ambition in only children is often triggered by the full attention they receive from their parents, who provide extra recognition and praise for their achievements.

4. Poor Social Skills

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The limited peer interaction in the home environment makes only children have fewer opportunities for social interaction compared to children with siblings. This situation may make only children feel slightly awkward when initiating interactions with peers.

5. Easily Lonely

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An only child may experience loneliness due to a lack of peer presence to interact with at home. Being accustomed to spending time alone, only children tend to feel comfortable in solitude. However, there are times when they feel the need to have friends to talk to and exchange ideas with.

6. What are the Characteristics of an Only Child?

Only children are often viewed as individuals who tend to be shy. They are not always accustomed to communicating with many people within their family circle. However, it should be noted that this shyness does not mean that only children are reluctant to form relationships with their surroundings.

7. Is an Only Child Selfish?

There is a belief that only children often have difficulty adapting, behave selfishly, and prefer to spend time alone. This view arises because only children are usually accustomed to having all their needs and desires fulfilled, both by parents and other family members such as grandparents, which may make them more spoiled.

However, it should be remembered that every only child has their own uniqueness and not all of them possess these characteristics. Parental education and support play a very important role in shaping the character of a child, including an only child, to develop in a balanced manner.

8. How to Educate an Only Child?

The process of educating and raising an only child can be done by considering several aspects to ensure their optimal growth. It is important to encourage the child to socialize, provide opportunities to communicate with others, and avoid excessive restrictions.

This approach helps the only child develop their social skills and experience a healthy sense of freedom in their daily life.

(kpl/kaq)