by D.L.

As far as being an only child versus having brothers and sisters…  I grew up independent, unafraid of spending time alone, and comfortable around adults as well as kids.  I always had a couple of best friends with whom I was close with like sisters.  I don’t remember feeling lonely or “different” as an only.  My best friend as a child was an only too.  There have been times in life I wondered what it would have been like but in my case, I feel it was all for the best.  My husband grew up with one sister and they are not particularly close as adults.  So, having a sibling does not guarantee lifelong companions or protect one from loneliness, etc…

I feel that people who judge or question others for having one child only need to get a life and get some manners.  First, it is none of anyone’s business…period.  Secondly,  there are a many good reasons for choosing only to have one.  My husband and I chose not to have children at all.  If other women choose to ostracize me for not being a mother, then that is THEIR problem.  I have had wonderful “sister-like” friends all my life and am happy to say at age 47, we are closer than ever.  I spend a lot of time cultivating and nurturing those closest to me so my dearest friends are family in my book.  We have a nephew and two nieces we love and hopefully one day we will get to see more of them.  We currently live in WA state due to my husband’s job and all of our family members are in SC, NC, and VA.

Family includes who you choose to have in your life, regardless of bloodlines and the number of children you have.  People who judge you for your lifestyle choices are not your friends.  There are more and more couples choosing to only have one child simply for economics and some families are child-free for various reasons.  No one should judge a family for having thoughtful family planning.  Too many people in this world  give having children too little thought sometimes and have too many children.  There is so much abuse and neglect of children in the world today and that is truly truly sad.

My family includes my husband, our animals and other relatives and friends so I have never felt like I don’t have a family just because we chose not to have any kids.

Live and let live…. love and accept all.  To me that is the way of Christ!

I love the bumper sticker:  “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions”

Don’t let others who question your choice to have one child get to you.