Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my view on a debatable issue – it’s better to be an only child than one with siblings. I think there are both advantages and disadvantages being the only child in the family.
One of the most obvious advantages is an only child can enjoy parent’s undivided attention and have better relationship with parents. If you have brothers or sisters, your parents will be bias to your brothers or sisters. But if you are the only child, your parents will just focus all their attention on you and your needs can be best addressed.
On the other hand, being the only child, one will also suffer. The only child will feel lonely, when their parents do not stay at home. When they are alone at home, there is no one they can spend time with. But those with siblings can find their brothers or sisters to chat, and if they do not know how to do homework, their siblings can teach them. Although the one with siblings cannot have all the attention from their parents, they can share both their happiness and sadness with their siblings. For things they can’t tell their parents, they can talk with their siblings. They will understand them and know how to solve the problem, because they may have experienced the same situation. As parents are far older, they may not understand the situation and the children’s needs. So the elder siblings can take care of the younger ones when the parents are out for work.
One of the possible disadvantages may be that an only child will become a selfish child. They do not communicate well with their peers because their parents spoil them. They do not know how to make compromises in any relationship. One with siblings, conversely, knows how to communicate with others and make compromises. If you have brothers or sisters, sometimes you will make compromises when you argue with your siblings. Therefore it is easier for one with siblings to develop better relationship with others.
Therefore, considering both its advantages and disadvantages, I think being one with siblings is better than being an only child. Take myself as an example. I have one younger brother and one baby sister. I always play with my brother and sister. Sometimes we argue with each other over trivial matters, but I feel so happy most of the time. I do not feel lonely. When my parents are not at home, we can look after each other.
Yours faithfully;
Chris Wong