Only Child

Words & Photography
by Lana Caves



Are you going to have another child? Aren't you worried that she'll be lonely if she doesn't have any siblings? Children without siblings are socially inapt...don't you worry she won't make any friends?

I've ducked, weaved, and manoeuvred my way through the barrage of queries over the past 11 years of my daughter's life as to why we only have one child. 

These types of questions might trigger something within many parents reading this. I've ducked, weaved, and manoeuvred my way through the barrage of queries over the past 11 years of my daughter's life as to why we only have one child. We have our reasons but funnily enough, others seem more concerned for her wellbeing than Miss 11 herself, or us, her parents. I think the myths about being an only child are pretty funny. Her classmates will tell you she has many beautiful friendships and her teachers will tell you she is far from being introverted. As her parents, we will tell you firsthand that she is a typically happy and outgoing 11 year old. She's the child who swam up to a random bunch of American kids on holiday in Hawaii to join in on the fun, encouraging them to do their best 'G'day mate!'

As for being spoiled? You are dead right there, she is spoiled and not because she's an only child but because we want to spoil her :)