Parents of only children

[Elphaba]

I couldn't see a specific thread anywhere for this but I wondered if there were other parents here whose child is - and is likely to remain - an 'only'. For some people this might be by choice and for others because they are unable to have another for some reason.

I'm a mum to a very-very-nearly three-year-old boy and would love a second child but DH doesn't want any more. Of course, he may change his mind, but it's looking less and less likely and so I'm starting to try to adjust the way I think of our family (i.e. to try to think of it as complete rather than incomplete) and enjoy the beautiful son I have!

I do find it difficult though now that most of my friends with first children the same age as mine have now gone on to have a second child. Sometimes I find it hard not to be a little jealous that they get to do the baby stage again and that their children have a sibling to play with

So, I thought it would be nice to have somewhere to share experiences with other mums (and dads!) who have just one child. To provide support to those who would have liked another child and to hear positives (as well as the struggles) from those who have an 'only' by choice

 

[Lucy139]

Hi, I only have one child and its likely to stay that way, we have talked about having a second but our ds nearly 5 is hard work at times (getting tested for asd) but aside from that now he's at school I can go back to work, oh gets good wages so we can go on holidays and afford the finer things in life so a lot of the reason is mainly selfish reasons.

although I'm only 22 and would never say never for now we are happy with just one child xx

 

[Elphaba]

Hi Lucy! Yes I can imagine that once you get to school age, then you might not want to go back to the baby stage with another one. I don't think your reasons are selfish.

And age is definitely on your side so I suppose if you did decide to have another down the line then you have plenty of time from that point of view! I am 34 so have a bit less time ;-)