There are a lot of stereotypes that come with being an only child.

The birth order theory.

5 characteristics of an only child.

Sarah Regan

Beurkens echoes this point.

After all, there isn’t another child in the house for them to lean on.

Parents often tell their childrenthey can do anythingand make any dream come true.

Only children can really take that message to heart.

She adds that research hasn’t shown theself-absorbedonly-child stereotype to be true.

“They tend to havecloser relationships with their parentsduring childhood and in adulthood,” Beurkens explains.

Where these traits come from.

In adulthood.

Thriving as an only child.

For parents, it’s very important to allow your only child to get plenty of socialization.

“Let your child make decisions alone, and don’t pressure them to overachieve,” Sherman adds.

“They may need to learn to compromise and to share.

The bottom line.

Just because someone is an only child doesn’t mean their personality is set in stone.

Every family is different, even if there is only one child in the picture.

At the end of the day, how someone grows into themselves will be unique to them.