Compare Contrast Essay, Research Paper

Only Child vs Siblings

I want this and I want that is all you here from an only child. There are many differences between an only child and a child who has siblings. My friend is an only child and there are many differences in the way we act. She always thinks of herself first, but that is not a bad thing. Many of these differences are a result of being an only child.

First of all, an only child is much more demanding than a child that has siblings. The only child wants to have things done right away. When my friend tells her mom that she needs clean clothes, she expects her mom to wash them right away. Her parents do not know how to say no. If her mom would not wash her clothes right away, then she becomes very upset.

Therefore, a child that has siblings is not as bossy as the only child. Children that have brothers or sisters know that not everything can be done at that second. There are two other children in my house besides me, and my mom can not do everything at once. I am not bossy towards my brother and sister because I do not like having people boss me around. I am considerate of my family’s feelings. If I need my work uniform clean, then I have to let my mom know well in advance so she has time to wash it. I appreciate my mom doing my laundry. When my mom doesn’t have time to wash my clothes I put in the extra effort to help her out.

Most children that do not have any siblings are spoiled. My friend receives anything she wants whenever she wants it. She received a new car when she turned 16 and also here at college she has a credit card that can be used for anything at any time. Giving children too much does not teach them responsibility. An only child has no responsibility of money. He or she are not used to using a budget. If a child is spoiled, being irresponsible with money does not teach them about the real world. In life they will always expect material things even if they don’t have finances to pay for them.

On the other hand, children that have siblings are not spoiled. These children are more thankful for the things they receive. My brother, sister and I are all treated fairly and we do not receive everything we want. During Christmas, you can tell that my seven year old cousin is an only child by the way she wants gifts. For me, our family is very greatful at Christmas for what we receive. Even my little brother and little sister are very thankful for all the gifts even if they don’t like them.

Just as an only child may be spoiled, an only child has problems interacting with other children at a young age. Since he or she spend a good amount of their time with their parents, they are more mature that other children are. They have a lot more problems with sharing and also talking things out when a problem occurs. An only child does not think before speaking and usually ends up making more enemies than friends.

A child with siblings has better communication skills because he or she have the chance to interact with children that are around them all the time. These children know how it feels to hurt others’ feelings. My brother and sister are only 1 year apart and they hang out together playing games all the time. This helps them communicate better together and with other children.

In contrast to a child with siblings, an only child is very independent because he or she does not have anyone to help them with problems except for their parents. They do not like to have help from anyone, and they don’t like to be told to do things. One of my friends hates to work with groups because she does not like to listen, and she does not like to take advice from others. She feels that what others do is not as high quality of work as what she can do. Also being able to work in a group successfully means being able to communicate well and this is once again hard for an only child.

An only child and a child with siblings are different in many ways. It all depends on the character of the child. A lot of the differences have to do with how the parents raise the child. If a parent lets their child tell them what to do then obviously the child will display negative traits. This doesn’t just go for an only child it goes for a child with siblings also. Whether you are an only child or a child with siblings, your life can be happy. As long as you feel loved and you give love it doesn’t matter how your family is made up. It is how you choose to live your life.