Only Child

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one being asked, "When are you having the next one?" or "Oh it's about time, you should have a little girl". There are many comments like that. It could be endless to mention them.

Honestly, raising a child is a lot of work. It's a full time job with no paid vacation. (but so worth it) Bringing a baby into this world is a HUGE responsibility and not only that, there's so many reasons why nowadays a lot of couples decide to have only one child.

For example: Economy!

Living cost: it's so demanding, everything is so expensive and difficult to afford if you don't have a well-paying job that provides for mortgage, rent, bills, food, recreation, daycare, and school.

I've been in that situation where I decided to stay home with my little one because it was not worth it for me to work for low pay and leave my son with a nanny, or at the daycare when the only money I'd make was going to be so little.

Kids need clothing, food, recreation, books, and toys - and that doesn't come for free. You need to find a balance.

Living in a foreign country makes it extra hard too. Not having family around, when the only people I trust are far away - dude that's hard!

You want the best for your child and that means spending quality time. I seriously admire couples or moms, that have 2, 3 or more kids. That's some good level of patience, love, hard work, money. You need to divide yourself for everyone to get the same attention, you must be equal with all your kids but don't take me wrong! Here's where I want to make the point clear.

HAVING ONE CHILD DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE SELFISH, or weak. Yes my love...This is such a myth and around this. I've heard so many comments that an only child can be selfish as well, because he/she won't have siblings to learn how to share. I don't think that only children are guaranteed to be lonely, selfish, spoiled, impatient and maladjusted. I strongly believe all these depends on how we parents educate our children.

Here some tips that could help if you have an only child:

*Learn to say no to all of his/her wants.

* Help your kid to learn how to manage and control emotions, be disciplined, be kind with others and be empathetic

*Grow relationships with friends, playmates and socialize.

*Avoid being overprotective because this can diminish his/her autonomy and confidence.

*Don't feel bad for not giving him/her a sibling and don't shower your kid with gifts.

The decision of having more kids must be yours and your partner's so don't feel pressured.