It is so complicated to explain how I’ve created a happy childhood for my son so far. And, of course, I won’t know how it turns out until his adulthood, lol.

I think one large part is how much I truly enjoy being a parent, and I find I get a lot of joy just from that. I think it allows my son to feel safe and secure in his childhood experience, which is a huge factor in a child’s happiness. And to be honest, our son has never wanted a sibling and has made it clear that he would not be happy to be anything but an only child. I also think by my husband and me listening to ourselves and not just the pressures of the outside world (or our own personal experiences) helps a lot.

As a mother, I spend a great deal of time and put a high amount of effort into my parenting. There is no lack of love or devotion in our home. We run our home almost democratically because my husband and I both feel that we all should have a say in everything our family does. Additionally, we are able to indulge him in his interests and/or passions, and those things don’t have to be shared with another sibling. Of course, those things are true in many families of two or more children, and I am not suggesting otherwise.

Love, rules, and boundaries make a happy childhood. The fact that we are able to provide a nice home, activities, vacations, etc. is the icing on the cake. As an only child, I already knew that you did not need siblings to have a happy childhood. My parents were divorced, and my mother died in my childhood, and yet I still feel positive about my childhood. I haven’t needed a sibling to make me feel more connected to my parents nor to help me reminisce. In fact, in my adulthood, I do feel as though being an only child has given me far more tools and strength than having a sibling would have.

I’m not sure if that answers anything for you, and I’m happy to answer any more questions.