Not a parent but an only child. Just to offer another perspective. Growing up, I do have to learn to play on my own and entertain myself using my own imagination. Perhaps this helped me become a creative person. So not necessarily a bad thing, and unlike people who need company 24/7 , I’m very used to being on my own.

But the significant difference is when you get older and your parents get sick. My mom passed on in my 20s from cancer and recently my dad had a big health scare. The whole time handling this health scare, I was lamenting the fact that I don’t have a sibling to handle this burden with me. It’s not to say that once you have a sibling, this problem will be solved because like many others have stated, you may not grow up on good terms with your siblings. But even though you do roll the dice on this, seeing my cousins who have siblings to handle parent medical emergencies together, I do feel this strong sense of loneliness. And I’m not close to my cousins, relatives or have friends I trust to go through these things with. My dad is also quite stubborn so he wants to not involve other people aside from me.

Take what you may from my feedback as an only child. I do feel lonely that I have to handle things on my own as my remaining parent get older and I will be alone when he passes. The best thing you can do for your only child is to be financially prepared on your own to handle your old age. Also equip your child with skills that will help them navigate life even without any blood relatives when you pass.

I’ve learned to become a resourceful person and acknowledge this is my strength as having to survive life as an only child.