This story was submitted by one of my customers at Beaded Royalty, Catherine Filbeck.  Thanks Catherine!

As a mother of an only child (my son is 17) I have to say that I agree with everything on this website – especially the mythbusters. My son is extremely social (not the least bit shy), gets along fine with everyone, and he never had an imaginary friend (although I did and I had a brother). I think some of the stereotypes that are associated with only children are more of a personality issue than having anything to do with being an only child. He is a bit spoiled but that is no one’s fault but my own – that’s an environmental issue. You can have a house full of spoiled children. He does seem a bit domineering at times – but again, is that a personality issue? I prefer to see it as natural leadership abilities that will aid him later in life.

My son has two friends that are only children and their personalities are completely different – one is somewhat shy and introverted, the other one is completely diplomatic & very friendly- he is always the peacemaker among the group and he is very self confident and not the least bit swayed by peer pressure. I am noting this to further illustrate the fact that all children are different, with different personalities, upbringing, etc. It’s ridiculous to me when people try to stereotype children according to whether they are only children or not.

Whatever the case, people should never be motivated by guilt to have another child. I was forever being asked if I was going to have another one with some people even telling me how wrong I was for only having one. They were wrong. My son and I have always been very close and at the same time he is very independent. He told me one thing he has always been assured of is how much I love him. He also said that assurance has gotten him through some tough times. It’s just like that song they always play at graduations that makes me cry – “let my love give you roots and help you find your wings”. That’s our job as a parent – to give them a strong foundation and let them become who they are meant to be. That will happen regardless of how many you have if you are a dedicated parent. For me however, I found I had more to give (of everything) by only having one. I have NEVER regretted having only one – honestly!