How does your only child handle friendships? My son is 3 1/2 years old, & he just had his first sleepover with his cousin. I’ve read friends for onlies are very important & putting them in situations with other children because at home they don’t have to wait on anything, so with friends they learn to take turns etc.
Today we went to the neighbors house, with 6-7 kids. He bounced back and forth between serving them roasted marshmallows and entertaining the adults. Whenever all the kids were on the trampoline, he was down at the adults table by himself telling stories.
Onlies get the bad rap of being brats & spoiled. Studies show that’s not true. I think one of the biggest challenges for us is my son gets frustrated easily & trouble with reasoning. Also, look for triggers. our triggers are food and sleep. If he’s fed and fully rested I see a different kid! I read the answer to kids’ issues is simple, they just haven’t acquired those skills yet. So, look for the triggers & talk to them. “I can see that you’re starting to get aggravated, what if we…..” And teach them skills to handle their anger. Also, don’t get angry or elevate your temper with them, just stay calm and let them know you are there right with them and will help them. I read the “Little Emperor Syndrome” from the onlies in China, could read a newspaper in different languages by age 10, but their parents still tied their shoelaces and wiped their bottoms. So, high expectations were too high & basic needs were too sheltered. It’s important to let your only be independent. And just don’t worry, they are going to be just fine.
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