Image via Wikipedia
Parenting styles differ greatly around the world, and parenting an only child can be significantly different from parenting two or more children. A popular myth about the only child is that the child will be selfish. The truth is most children at a certain age will seem selfish because in their own minds, everything revolves around them. Positive parenting helps alleviates this self-centeredness over time by teaching the value of sharing.
It may seem as if the only child is selfish because the parents have only one child to focus on. As such these children may develop a sense that everyone should give them total attention. However, good parenting skills will enable the child to realize early on not to treat attention as a right.
Some people hold the view that the only child is generally very bossy. Again this attitude results not so much from being the sole child, but from the parenting received. In fact, many children with siblings are bossy as well. Good parenting will help children to learn to temper their attitudes.
When it comes to an only child, the tendency to feel alone or to become loners can be greater. This is true for children anywhere in the world. Parents should make every effort to provide companionship for their child. They should be allowed to spend time with cousins and other children to develop relationships.
While the style used for parenting an only child may be different than that used for two or more kids, the outcome is generally the same. The values children learn as they grow are those instilled by their parents and their environment.
