Being an Only Child! //

Being the only doesn’t necessarily make you lonely.
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[@ohheythereitsalexis]

I think the most difficult part about being an only child is knowing one day when I lose my mom and dad I'm going to be the only person losing a parent. And I won't have anyone else to find comfort and relate with...

[@alexfarrell4285]

this is the biggest con of being an only child

[@shanana39]

+Alexis B that's the scariest part for me as well, so good to read these comments and relate

[@iLoveeHamsters]

That day I will wanna have kids or tons of cats 😂😂

[@cherrypitsandhoneyhips1179]

That is my biggest fear. I feel ya

[@wavydomx]

Me too

[@followingmyheart89]

Yay only children!!!!!! Although I wish I had siblings...

[@pleasekillmeiwishtodie2114]

you don't even want a slibling I have a older brothers and he's sometimes a ass and sometimes nices hard to think/say

[@followingmyheart89]

+Kenneth basaez oh no :(. I'm sorry to hear that. I think there are pros and cons to each. Growing up I was pretty lonely and most of my friends had siblings to play with. Now that I'm older and have to take care of my parents it would be great to have a sibling to share that responsibility with and speak to. But of course not every sibling participates or gets along! For sure it depends.

[@AdamariMedia]

+Ashley Em same I think it has affected me by making me socially awkward bc I find it very hard to talk to other teens my age

[@maddyelsie]

I've always wished to have a sibling!

[@EnigmaticallyErin]

+Ashley Em I agree! I didn't really care when I was younger, but now as I get into adulthood I wish I had some siblings.

[@vanessagarcia5071]

Only child 🙋🏼 totally agree with this vid

[@annesophiemattelet2349]

Totally!

[@EvaWhoDraws]

Same here🙋

[@arita333]

sameee🙋

[@amandachambers6026]

Me too! The struggle is real when trying to play board games😂

[@vanessagarcia5071]

+Amanda Chambers I Remeber playing vid games and it would be multi player and I'd plug in all 4 controllers and be differ players lol 😂 #onlychildprobs

[@cinnatsundere]

I'm an only child and tbh I never wanted any siblings and I still don't, being an only child is amazing.

[@pP46457]

Same.

[@ElCapitanJones]

I agree. Yet at the same time, as I reached and passed the age of 18, I really noticed how alone and lonely I have been for so many years. During my teens it hit me the worst. I had to learn to really appreciate my own company. At age 20 I’m still learning, but I am a bit better than I used to be at 16.

[@kadambarib9504]

Same

[@ruhi9888]

Being an only child is lovely ❤

[@renealexander2703]

annie, good point. Being an only child is great.

[@hifromthestudio]

I think being an only child can have it's negatives and positives. But can also depend on the child and his or her personality!

[@carlykrupp7175]

I'm an only child and I think people with siblings think that we are spoiled but the truth is that we have our own bedroom, bathroom, etc., because we have no one to share it with. I wish I had a younger brother...

[@booksbeforeboys]

+Carly Krupp same I wish I had someone to share my things with, it gets really lonely on my own

[@Findus1701]

I feel like only children are not neceasarily more spoiled, actually I have experienced many times that only children willingly share a lot more, because they don't have to all the time whereas children with siblings have to share all the time and therefore don't want to do it if they don't have to.. obviously doesn't apply to everyone but that's what I have observed throughout my childhood and babysitting many years..

[@booksbeforeboys]

LindaKatharina yes I agree I love to share things with other people. If I have a bag of chips or something I will share them with the people around me

[@arhwaltergracie]

YES OMG IT'S SO ANNOYING EVERYONE THINKS I'M SPOILED

[@DaniellaCartwright]

I never had my own bathroom '-'

[@realkiwihours8857]

When I was little, I HATED being an only child. I would beg my mom to give me a little brother or sister. My friends would always tell me, "OMG you're so lucky! My sibling(s) is SOOOO annoying!!" However, since then, I've become grateful for being an only child. I'd go to my friend's house, and see them fighting and yelling at their sibling constantly, so I'm glad I don't have to do that :P

[@allahiseternal8422]

Oh so u used to hate being the only child? But not anymore right???

[@titefred2]

Growing up as an only child, I relate to this on a spiritual level. I remember finding kids extremely annoying in elementary school. I would isolate myself without realizing because I was never bored at home. I was so used to spending time by myself and in my head that I did not see the need of socializing. It is funny because I'm now in my twenties and to this day, most of my friends are several years older than me. Being always surrounded by adults has apparently left its mark.

[@i_c_e_555]

Sammeeee

[@christiangutierrez5382]

That’s how I felt but as you grow up you find friends who likes you for who you are and you meet new people as you grow up. But sometimes we do not see it because we are thinking a lot

[@stepanyda-x7v]

The same with me😇

[@mizuenaa]

People with siblings are so lucky, but abuse it so much. They waste such a relationship and that no one else can have with you and turn it into hate. They should cherish their sibling(s) more.

[@kaitlynann3057]

Flare I understand why u would feel that and I guess I’m somewhat happy I have siblings. But siblings fight and act like they hate eachother. That’s just how the sibling relationship works. And yea deep down me and my brothers love eachother, but cherishing every moment with eachother is just not really possible. we’re not really wasting our relationship tho cuz a sibling relationship isn’t like a friendship. But like I totally see what your trying to say.

[@Lolee56]

Nah, my brother is an asshole

[@renealexander2703]

mack, people who are only children are so lucky, but they abuse it and complain so much. They waste their life complaining instead of being thankful and turn it into hate. Only children should cherish being an only child and stop the self-hate.

[@lunabasualdo4265]

I'm an only child and when i was around 5 or 6 i started to understand that one day my mom would die ( i do not have a dad) and so i started trying to make things on my own, like washing dishes, so she wouldn't be so worried about me not knowing how to live on my own when i grew up... i still believe it's a good thing to be an only child cause i've learnt how to be peaceful when i'm alone instead of being scared or feeling lonely

[@christineb5471]

I have always loved being an only child. I learned who I am and I matured very early because I have always only been around adults. It's great.

[@SkyMcSparkle]

I'm not an only child, however my brothers are 10 years older than I am. Sometimes I feel like an only child because we didn't necessarily grow up together. I don't really know my oldest brother very well. I can count the number of times I've seen him since I was eight(I'm 25 now) on one hand. My middlechild brother hated me until he became an adult and went out into the world. I feel closer to him because he calls me once a month. I don't feel like I can accurately describe what it's like to have a sibling.

[@SkyMcSparkle]

+Sky Pelham One day, hopefully we'll all get to spend some time together. I feel like I'll only get to spend quality time with my middlechild brother. It's not that there's anything wrong with the oldest but I feel like even though he's my brother, he's also sort of a stranger in a way.

[@angelaisonline]

+Sky Pelham I absolutely understand how you feel. My sister is 11 years older than I am. I remember her going off to uni when I was only 6 and I never got to know her very well which, makes me feel like an only child.

[@SkyMcSparkle]

It's nice to find someone who can relate. I haven't met many people who understand. It's nice to meet you.

[@angelaisonline]

It's great to meet you too:)

[@Bigbuttzklub]

+Sky Pelham it's the same with me but it alternates, like sometimes i see them all the time and they stay at home for months at a time, and other times they live elsewhere and it's just me for a while. So i think i can relate to both only child living and having siblings. I pretty much identify with ingrid's experiences, as well as what other people say about having siblings.

[@lisetteramirez7993]

my favorite video so far. I am also an only child. I wouldnt have changed how i grew up. Being an only child gave me a different prospective in life then the people i know who have siblings.

[@WhaleTank]

+Lisette Ramirez I find it interesting when you say that it gave you a different perspective. I agree that you probably have a different perspective than myself (i have a brother). Do you think that your perspective as improved your life? Having a brother taught me how to share, cooperate, nuture, be friends, love, care, listen, and understanding. All of which added to my persective. I always have someone there.

[@Pian0ismm]

+WhaleTank For me, I learned most of these things sort of through my parents. I think my parents in a way were a substitute for having a sibling. However, that may depend on the type of relationship people have with their parents, which may also be a reason that one's perspective on life may be different. But that is just my perspective on this situation of course :)

[@WhaleTank]

sparklyxcrystal that makes sense

[@renealexander2703]

@@WhaleTank , you don't need a brother to learn how to share, cooperate, nuture, be friends, love, care, listen and understand. It's just instinct for some people and how your parents raise you. Plus, you can share with your parents, cousins, friends, pets, etc. And siblings will not always be there. Siblings become estranged and can die.

[@renealexander2703]

@@WhaleTank , you don't need a brother to teach you how to share, cooperate, nurture, be friends, love, care, listen, and understand. For many people, it's common sense or your parents teach you those things. You can also learn those things from cousins, pets, friends, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

[@kiraapril4266]

I'm an only child. I understand ALL of these things

[@janeybee]

i'm sad i'm an only child because i'll never get to be an aunt :(

[@christinemle]

Jane, you can be an aunt to your cousins' kids.

[@janeybee]

+Christine Le yes there is always that. but it's not the same as being a "direct/1st" aunt

[@faeriesmak]

+Jane Shon You can be an aunt in you get married and your husband has siblings. I am an only child and have 2 nephews.

[@zgzgzgzgzgable]

+Jane Shon what it sucks that my kids won't have aunts, I have 3 aunts that i love so much and my relationship with them is really good. It sucks that my kids won't experience that.

[@ModernMolliee]

I'm planning to be an "aunt" to my cousins and best friend when they have children :)

[@leenabalanag6028]

I'm an only child but it's funny how our circumstances can be so different! I get angry very easily at anyone because it was my way of bringing out anger since I had no siblings. But I definitely became creative in ways of dealing with boredom, 13hr plane ride? No problem! I remember in church I can sit there for hours just thinking of scenarios in my head.

[@saramaritmacgregor]

+Leena Balanag haha that was me too! I really hated going to church and I used to just zone out for the whole hour.

[@barsxsalicia]

I do the same thing. I doze off into my own world in my head. It's amazing!! My friends can never sit still, they don't know what to do with themselves after being alone or not being able to interact with people.

[@renealexander2703]

Leena Balanag, please do not stereotype only children. You getting angry very easily has nothing to do with not having siblings.

[@lariaettelady]

I'm an only child, and I agree with everything in this video bc it's exactly how I grew up except that I don't necessarily feel like I missed out on anything.

[@anastasiasergeeva7377]

I am the only child, and being a kid I didn't want any siblings, but as I'm getting older and seeing all these sibling relationships, I really regret I can't have such close and understanding people around me.

[@redrosesgirl]

I grew up with 3 siblings, and i still have a lot of the cons you have. For one, I CONSTANTLY find myself stuck all up in my mind/thoughts, but I think that is just a part of my introverted personality. In a sense I feel like I developed the pros you mentioned from other situations or experiences, therefore I think people with and without siblings eventually come to the same even playing ground one way or another. (:

[@tearoses9940]

I'm an only child and I can relate to almost all of this (except my parents kinda spoiled me :/ ). Especially with the 3rd thing you mentioned. I always found it easy to have conversations with adults, while with most kids my age (besides my friends) I'm socially awkward. I never really understood why I couldn't really fit in, even when I wasn't doing or saying anything out of the ordinary. Even someone who is my friend now used to be one of the kids who'd tease me for no reason. Sorry, I'm rambling. Anyway, relatable!

[@marystestkitchen]

I relate to all those things but I'm a middle child. My sister had her own friends. My younger brother was my adventure buddy until he was old enough to have his own friends...and I was just a weirdo until high school. OK, let's be real. I'm still a weirdo.

[@Whitney_Sews]

Interesting, I relate to all your pros and cons, but I have a sister. We are just under 3 years apart and since we had our own rooms we didn't hang out that much at home. I would be reading or playing outside and she would be doing her own thing.

[@Lolee56]

That’s the funny part, is people think they’ll enjoy having a sibling but changes are they won’t. And if u don’t have a sibling u will always think u would like it cuz u haven’t actually experienced it

[@nishimandapati2025]

I am an only child as well and one of the biggest things I've noticed is that I love having personal space and hate it when that's taken away from me. As far as I've heard with siblings, especially younger ones it's nearly impossible to get. I've also noticed that I spend a lot more time with my parents than some of my friends who have have siblings. Sometimes I think being an only child has isolated me from people because I have a hard time opening to people and making friends and dealing with loud personalities. Whenever I meet up with my cousins or family friends who have siblings, I see them fight and in a weird way I kind of wish I had that. On the other hand I would probably the most annoying younger sibling and the bossiest older sibling. I also didn't have many birthday parties as a child and I think that's because my parents wanted me to be thankful for what I had so I wouldn't be spoiled. So I guess being an only child has it's own perks but you definitely miss out on a lot.

[@lyrichooey3430]

OH my goodness, Ingrid, thank you for this video. I too am an only child, and for almost my whole life the only grandchild on both sides of the family. So I didn't even have first cousins until I was 17. This video helped me realize things I've never related to being an only child about myself. I completely agree with learning to be alone but not lonely, the maturity, being afraid of conflict (this one is huge), and easily spacing out. However in my experience, I have never felt socially isolated or truly missed having siblings. On the contrary, the way my mother raised me enabled me to relate and empathize with others, almost to an extreme. Being an only child almost feels like being a minority, so thank you for raising this discussion!

[@Itspavi98]

I'm an only child! Everything is mine. 😈😈😈

[@jaseyrae8769]

+Pavithra M damn

[@xburningindigo]

Except a sibling. ☺

[@msphrn]

True that!!

[@emilyloughlin7430]

+xburningindigo comment of the year 😂😁😂😂😂😂

[@faeriesmak]

+Pavithra M That is true...but also realize that when your parents are elderly and need a lot of care..everything also rests on you alone.

[@KAPOWWkate]

I honestly feel like you just described my entire childhood and personality. And I feel justified, finally, for my socially awkward demeanour, the fact that I've always felt terrified of criticism, the feeling even now as an adult that I can't possibly confront my peers at work because it is just out of the question for me. And at the same time - I AM an old soul. I read when I was a kid instead of playing outside like I might have done with a sibling. I have this unbreakable bond with my parents that goes further than the standard parent-child relationship; we're friends. Thank you for giving me a summary of myself that I never knew I needed. I love you for a lot of things, and I've watched you for a very long time, but this really, really spoke to me

[@katielouisenm]

Having a sibling, (I have 1 older brother), is great really. He annoys the shit out of me most days, but I always know that he'll stick up for me, no matter what. (And it's pretty fun knowing one another's secrets, and using money as a way of black mailing eachother not to tell our mum).

[@renealexander2703]

Katie, siblings arent the only ones to stick up for you or know your secrets. Parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, spouses, romantic partners, grandparents, friends, or your children stick up for you and know your secrets.

[@chloeelizabeth8573]

I think you did a really good job summing up what being an only child is like, at least in my experience. I love that I can spend hours by myself not even talking to anyone and be completely content. But also when I do spend time with others I really cherish it. At this point in my life, being 21, I wouldn't change it because I've learned so much about myself over the years. I was actually really excited when I saw this video because I don't get to hear about being an only child from someone else's perspective that often. Plus it's really fascinating to hear what you thought because it sounds like your life as an only child was so similar to my own. These #5MFU videos are always so insightful and real. Love them!

[@mineraline]

Very interesting! Sibling relationship is very unique, you can't really compare it to anything fully. Of course people have different relationships but the core feeling of having a sibling is something that is hard to explain!

[@renealexander2703]

Anniina, lots of relationships are unique. And every sibling relationship is not the same or good.

[@binicorn848]

This is beautiful, I'm 15 and an only child, and it is definitely tough. Everyone judges you, they think you are spoiled and a know-it-all and just weird. As a sophomore in high school it's really tough, I'm something of a social outcast and defiantly don't fit in with those around me. I've always been jealous of people who have siblings, and I often wish that I had one because it does get lonely. But what really saddens me is that my children won't have aunts and uncles from my side of the family. Though I sometimes like being on my own, I have promised my self if I have children I will have at least two. But I loved this video, it was very relatable, so thank you for that.

[@vanessalumley6459]

She reminds me of Maia Mitchell

[@martinavitasovic5792]

+Vanessa Lumley now I see it :)

[@emilyloughlin7430]

I will never look at her the same.. 😂

[@maiavieira6267]

She looks like maia Mitchell

[@DaniellaCartwright]

Yes! !!

[@davidlucey543]

Vanessa Lumley Anonymous- who the hell is Maia Mitchell?

[@jessicastevens1629]

Ingrid! Every single one of these points is SO TRUE speaking as an only child myself. I do think the most significant part of my childhood was the fact that I was constantly surrounded my my parents friends, who were obviously adults. Therefore, like you said, you mature a lot quicker than your friends, something I did notice a lot growing up and I did get really frustrated but then that's when the creativity kicks in. You learn to be on your own cause no one understands you quite yet, so you then play your instruments, read your fantasy novels, play your online American Girl games :P and you learn what inspires you, what you like, what you don't like and that's in relation to yourself and the people who you choose to be around.

[@OliviaPiraino]

I can relate to this video 100%. Glad to know I wasn't the only one :)

[@kaimoss]

As a fellow only child AND Aquarius, I feel you on all points here :) thank you for sharing your experiences on an often underexposed/appreciated topic! Feels nice to relate!

[@lexthequeer]

I can relate to everything you said! From what I can tell based on what you've said here, I had a very similar experience in childhood comparative to yours.

[@saycarp]

I'm an only child and I've always had those qualities, but I never attributed them to being an only child. So relatable. This is amazing!

[@BruhTumbleweeds]

I hate being an only child I know how to really harm or beat up someone but I'm scared to do it which is the problem. I'm also alone a lot of you have siblings and hate them don't your lucky to have people around you it sucks being an only child and my parents are too old to have children at this point

[@StruckByStars]

I like Tumbleweeds I'm the same way! Thank goodness I'm not the only one

[@imanepink]

I like Tumbleweeds same i can slap hell out of someone but i am to scared to do it

[@Etherion956]

Why habe people around you is lucky lol

[@talinemcconnell889]

this video honestly made me feel like relate to you 1000% more than I already did and I agreed with everything you said. I love these 5MFU videos and I'm so glad you make them because it makes me feel less alone. Since most of my friends can't really get my perspective a lot of the time as we were all raised differently with all of them having the same family dynamic and just me having a different upbringing these videos remind me that I'm not as isolated as I feel and that someday I will find others who can relate with me on things like this, as well as other things like being gay or coming from a mixed race family.

[@madisonhoward5716]

I hate when people just assume that only children are selfish 😢

[@Herculean_Life]

we speak up truth but others think how it is possible .

[@mockemperor953]

And get everything we want It is true to a lot of people but not to all I don't get literally ever thing I ask for

[@jenedreamer]

Love this, Ingrid! Every single thing you listed was my experience as well. I do envy my friends with siblings, but I don't think either experience is better or worse. It was just me and my awesome mom growing up, though I saw my dad (equally awesome) a couple times a month. Being alone often as a child means I need the same thing now to function. Always stuck in my head = became a musician and fiction writer as an adult. My imagination is constantly going! Also, definitely wasn't as social as my peers - I was smart enough to attend kindergarten when I was 4/5, but they were worried about me socially since I just interacted with adults all the time. I plan on raising an only child myself one day (because I don't think I can handle multiple kids and L.A. is expensive!) and I want to provide him/her with a bit more interaction with kiddos than I got, while still fostering that sense of independence and creativity I had. :) xo

[@evieb6321]

I used to play board games on my own 😂 like my right side vs my left side or something.

[@danielaresendiz4516]

I could not have agreed with you anymore! This video completely explained my entire life 👌🏼 the only thing I will say is there have been plenty of times where I feel really lonely, especially as a kid I never had anyone to play with, so that really sparked my imagination and made me look for ways to entertain myself but it would have been even better if I had someone to share my imagination with. One of the biggest struggles I have today is that feeling of guilt when I think about leaving my parents because once I'm gone they'll be alone... And that really scares me because my parents depend on me so much that it's hard to think of me leaving. If anyone else knows this feeling I'd love to hear your side!😌

[@theaudiobookaficionado]

I'm the middle of five and I really cannot imagine being an only child. Having a bunch of siblings is chaotic but it's great :)

[@renealexander2703]

the audiobook aficionado, some can't imagine having siblings. Some people feel being an only child is great. You never have to guess which child is the favorite.

[@smabrielle]

I relate to a lot of this! I was 9 years old when my brother was born. As an only child I wasn't spoiled in terms of monetary items, but not having to share attention from your parents is something I feel only children take for granted HUGELY. My brother is now 11 so the attention is finally rounding out to almost 50/50, but babies and toddlers require a ton of attention and care from the get-go, and it was a REALLY rough go for me having such a dramatic shift in the attention I got at home. My brother and I have never had a close relationship because of the age gap, so I feel like I've missed out on both the only child experience and the older sibling experience, and it totally blows. My future kids will be born as close together as possible.

[@LindsayXo]

Yeah go team only child!!🙌🙋 Much love my beautiful friend!💖

[@jennyyysue]

There's a lot of common misconceptions about only children, and this video expressed everything I've ever felt about growing up as an only child. It can be difficult to explain the sensitivity and the ability to get stuck in your own head unintentionally but you hit it perfectly.

[@edrianmagtoto4879]

Con: Whenever you have a problem you're solving it alone :(

[@lparrish89]

I feel like I've grown up to be very socially different from other people and I totally think that a lot of that is because I'm an only child. You do spend a lot of time on your own growing up and now as an adult, I live on my own and very much enjoy my own space because it's where I feel comfortable. The downside of that is that for me, relationships and friendships are incredibly difficult; I just feel relieved when I'm left alone once they've/I've gone home. I feel like it takes a lot of hard work to get to that point where I feel relaxed in the company of others, but once I do find those people, I never want to lose them... It's not very nice to be in your own head and own thoughts constantly, so it's really a balancing act for me between those isolated and social environments. This video so SO clearly explained how I feel about being an only child though!!!!

[@giannag8897]

I could have swore she said she had a sister in older videos. She said they weren't close though.

[@NYCShellLA]

+Gianna Gi I was just thinking that!

[@MirandaDodd]

+Gianna Gi And I swear in a video with Fleur she said she had a brother that had the same birthday as Fleur

[@safs9035]

yes I was thinking that too. I remember in a very old blog she said she had a half sister! :/ wtf

[@sagesabiduria7120]

Maybe she has step or half siblings? #confused

[@jessicawong8416]

Yeah. I thought I heard her said in one of her old videos or maybe even in a few videos some years back that she had a brother.

[@SimplyAlix]

I have an older brother, and it was awesome growing up together (until a certain point, and then it got good again!). He was my play buddy, my person to experience things with. Christmas was always fun because we'd always wake up crazily early and open our stocking pressies together. We would climb trees and play out in the streets and explore! But then teenage years hit, and he went through his rebellious phase and that's when we started to drift. All he wanted was to hang out with his friends and he wanted nothing to do with me, so I relate to quite a few points you talk about in this video! Now we get along fine (thank goodness, no more dead arms!!), and I'm super glad he's in my life, even though it's hard sometimes as he's all the way over on the other side of the world! When we are together though, we do have a good giggle! I wouldn't be the person I am today either if it wasn't for him :) (end essay)

[@MalikaGodt]

Kinda relate to all the pros and cons of being a only child. Matches my personality. But I have an older sister, guess I'm just weird. :P

[@orangeserendipity]

Only children unite! I don't know any other only children in my personal life actually, except for my cousin. I pretty much had the same experience growing up as you, except I preferred being around people even in my creative activities, as I was an extrovert. I have noticed that I tended to treat my girlfriends like sisters and as a result, have had the same couple best friends since I was little. I feel like it has really impacted who I choose to be in a relationship with because I like to be w/ people who have really big families that are close to compensate. I def feel the negative side of being an only child more so as I get older, in that I realize how close and special so many sibling bonds are, which makes me feel lonely sometimes.

[@GoldenSnowFairy]

This was so insightful and interesting!

[@GoldenSnowFairy]

+Anna-Carolina (coming from someone who has 5 younger siblings) it is sometimes really stressful and loud and stuff but I wouldn't change it for the world

[@kyoshi8128]

+Anna-Carolina truth! 1 younger and 4 elder siblings.

[@maryp.9057]

+Anna-Carolina ya I'm in the same boat as you 😆

[@katiequinn4019]

THANK YOU FOR PUTTING ALL OF MY EMOTIONS INTO WORDS. I've never felt so connected to a video before and this is amazing.

[@pollynlyubenova8365]

I will never forgive my parents for leaving me alone. Now that I'm 20 my parents decided to have a new child. Thank you for being 20 years late.

[@renealexander2703]

Pollyn Lyubenova, how are you alone? Where are your friends, your spouse, your kids, your cousins, your aunts and uncles?

[@pollynlyubenova8365]

@@renealexander2703 Lmao who has kids or a spouse when they themself are a kid. Im talking about being alone as a kid. Your aunts and uncles can't replace a brother or a sister.

[@renealexander2703]

@@pollynlyubenova8365 , what if your sibling didn't want to play with you, or was too young? What if all you do was fight? What if you are a girl and your brother has no interest in playing dolls with you? Didn't you go to school with other kids? Why couldn't you play with cousins or friends?

[@laurie3235]

Everything you said about maturity hit so close to home. It was lovely hearing you talking about your experiences

[@elinorsundblad]

Can we take a moment to your EYEBROWS omg guurl 😍😍😍😍😍

[@jessicaexplainsitall5633]

I am totally with you on learning how to entertain yourself. I love that about me. I know people who have always had other people their age around them and can never be alone or get bored/impatient easily. The con to that is that I depend on that alone time to keep my sanity so I'm afraid of how I'll be if I ever get married. But we shall see! I loved this video, Ingrid! It's a topic most people don't think to talk about. It's nice to know a fellow only child.

[@vanityisforever]

I AM AN ONLY CHILD TOO!

[@beeskneez]

I am so glad you did this video! You absolutely nailed everything, Ingrid. When I was little, my family went to visit my boy cousins' house, and I saw the three of them playing together. I later asked my mom for an older brother, not knowing how things worked...heh. I still think it would have been nice growing up with an older brother, but I definitely appreciate my experience growing up as an only child. =)

[@samanthalindsy]

I related to this so much!!

[@TheKimberlyrider]

Only child here too! So glad you're speaking out about this topic. I can relate to so much of what you said, especially being afraid of conflict.

[@batool2563]

well I'm the middle child so i think i said enough

[@itsmejulia1868]

I know how you feel 😂

[@maryhughes6372]

I never really understood the hardship of being a middle child. You are the only one who has the best of both worlds, you have a older sibling and a younger sibling. I am the oldest of three. I wish I was a middle child so I could experience what it's like to have it both ways.

[@yeahthatkels]

my thoughts exactly we might as well be invisible 😂😂

[@yeahthatkels]

+Mary Hughes that's the problem lol its like you have to listen to the older one because they are older but also give up something you want for the younger one. Then most times its like your the invisible one to your parent cause you aren't the first one or the baby your just the middle kid😂

[@itsmejulia1868]

No matter how old you are youre always the middle one, not the adult and not the baby xx

[@Lena-fc9ce]

I also think being an only child AND having a single mom has shaped me tremendously and influenced so much of who I am today, my strong suits and my weaknesses. And lots of the things you experienced I find too, like this creativity and active imagination and knowing how to be alone, but also this 'maturity'. Though I'd say it's more of a disinterest in doing things that get me in trouble and just helping my mum a lot, so I am not that bad at caring fo myself. Almost all my friends have siblings, and my mum has 3 siblings, so I can observe a lot of diverse relationships between siblings closely, which is really interesting, but also frustrating when my friends have to fight with their siblings for no reason at all. I can sometimes imagine how I would be as a sibling when I'm with some of my cousins, but I'm actually kind of sad that I'm an only child. I get asked too if I am spoiled, but no, I don't think so. My mum never had a lot of money, and some of my friends who have siblings are actually way more spoiled than the ones without. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us Ingrid!

[@brookeknapp91]

Ingrid does have older half-siblings. I guess she doesn't consider them her siblings...kinda sad.

[@neele3817]

+Brooke Knapp She didn't grow up with them tho, did she? So she was technically living as an only child.

[@ivettegonzalez7232]

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that she wasn't raised around them

[@el1908gr]

And you know that from what video or interview?

[@brookeknapp91]

I've been watching her videos since she started, she has mentioned it many years ago. They are much older than her through her dad. True she did not grow up with them so I guess it is different.

[@13stineh]

+Brooke Knapp I also have two older half- siblings, but we never lived together (only one of them lived with us when i was like 1 or 2, so it didnt feel like that sibling relationship. Idk how much older ingrids siblings are, but you know, it's a huge difference living with them and not living with them

[@BrendaETobar]

I'm an only child too! I definitely agree with a lot of your points! I feel like it made me really independent and now that I'm older I really appreciate it.

[@tinytina333]

I'm an only child and I related to everything you said about growing up, feeling more mature, not relating to how kids interact or fight with each other. I always wanted a sibling and still wish I had one. I'm not lonely being alone, but it would be nice to have siblings to hang around with. Being an only child really isn't better than having siblings, so appreciate the ones you have!

[@renealexander2703]

TinaP, having siblings really isn't better than being an only child, so appreciate being an only child.

[@reannematic7500]

I grew up as an only child too! Your video, Ingrid, was very relatable. Most people immediately assume that since I grew up as an only child, I must have been spoiled. Truth is, you can see it that way, but I had to learn to earn rewards instead of having anything and everything. Because I had to learn how to earn rewards, I think that translated well when I transitioned into adulthood. Another thing to add is that when I made friends, I loved sharing my stuff with them. I imagined them to be like a sibling even though we weren't related by blood. Furthermore, my close circle of friends had siblings, so I would socialize with those close to my age group, despite living in a household with adults.

[@TheZenzen76]

I am an only child, I've never wanted a sibling and I'm still very happy with being an only child today (I'm 23). Your words really resonate with me though, about maturity and being alone without feeling lonely, I'm the same way: leave me alone in a room and I'll talk to myself until I make myself laugh out loud!! But I am also afraid of conflict, I rarely tell my friends when something doesn't feel right between us because I don't want them to turn away from me and I tend to be socially isolated as well, I can't remember how many times I wasn't listening to the conversation around me while thinking about other stuff! But as I said, I love being an only child because I think having a sibling does not necessarily mean that you get along with him/her. And I get the same questions:" don't you think you're missing out? I would be so lonely, I don't know how you do it. etc." Thanks for your video Ingrid, and thank you for your video with Estee, I didn't know her before and now I just love her!! XXX From France :)

[@christine6159]

I'm the oldest of three siblings (a sister and a brother) and I love them so, so much (so this may be a long comment). I feel like a big part of my identity is being the older sister, and I take a lot of pride in looking out for, helping, and taking care of them even though we're 22, 21, and nearly 20 (his birthday's next month). I'm also a sucker for the big sibling characters in movies (Elsa, Tadashi, Nani, etc.). If they were in danger, I would fight anything to protect them. I'm so so proud of both of them. (: My sister is one year younger than me and she's my best friend (she's actually the one who introduced me to your channel!). Personality- and interest-wise we're very different: I have the temperament of our dad and she's more like our mom; she's more into clothes and makeup and I'm into superheroes and cartoons. We get along really well most of them time, we hardly ever fight and only occasionally bicker over unimportant stuff. My little brother is one of the kindest, sweetest people on the planet. Because we have almost two years between us, sometimes I feel more inclined to 'watch out' for him more and treat him like he's younger than he is (something that I'm working on). Also my sister is the most persistent of the three of us when it comes to phones calls and texts, so I talk less frequently with my brother but I still feel close with him. We think about a lot of stuff in similar ways so we like to discuss said stuff a lot when we hang out that doesn't really come up in conversations with my sister. I think he's really calm and funny, and we never fight; I'd say he's an even mix of our parents temperament-wise. Being part of a trio is really cool because of the dynamics and how each sibling interacts with the other. I don't think any of us have a 'favorite' sibling - just because I consider my sister my best friend doesn't mean I like her more than my brother - I love them both equally in different ways. Our personalities fit really well together and we make a great team - my sister keeps my brother and I on track since we have a tendency to put things off, my brother balances my sister and I out/mediates when needed and has his follow-through quality , and I... lead and act as team mom (get the food, am the driver when we go places, etc) I guess lol. Our mom actually passed away when we were younger so I think that's had a strengthening effect on our relationship and brought us closer together. I know not all siblings get along like we do, so I really treasure our relationship.

[@Everydaystarlet]

I'm an only child as well and I COMPLETELY relate to everything in this video!!!! There's pros and cons, but it makes us who we are today!

[@alexiaeve52]

This is the most relatable video that I've ever watched!!! One of my fav qualities that I've gained from being an only child is that I can easily have conversations with adults which I've been able to do since I was 5. When kids came over to my house, they'd run away from my parents (literally) while I'd sit and chat to their for ages. But it makes me sad that I'll never understand that relationship and what it's like to have a sibling and I wouldn't like to have an only child myself.

[@followingmyheart89]

Also Ingrid- you are beyond stunning. Lots of love and thanks for constantly sharing positivity and love.

[@MsIxax]

I felt really identified with you in this video! It's nice to hear someone talking about this, cause I think even though we (only childs) are minority we share things in comon with each other and it's nice to hear about them! Thankyou so much Ingrid!

[@miki-nola]

I'm an only child as well! I always wanted a sibling but I feel like I didn't miss out on much not having one. It's taught me to cherish the relationships I have with people my age because it was very limited in my childhood. I do remember I didn't really like being with kids when I was growing up- I was very shy and didn't know how to react to other kids. I was SOO spoiled and I wish my parents did the no gifts thing like yours did! Now I feel like I've gotten a grip on reality and I prefer so much more now giving to receiving, I need to give back what my parents gave me!

[@devo87]

I am the oldest of three girls with my middle sister being only 10.5 months younger and my youngest 11 years. Your description of yourself as an older sister is exactly how my relationship with my sister developed. From my earliest memories I just did not like, or was constantly annoyed with my sister and for no real reason other than I wanted to be the only one. I am so thankful for both my siblings now and deeply value the relationship we have cultivated.

[@jasperperez5338]

I think that a lot can be gained both from being a lonely child or having siblings. It's different for everyone, as Ingrid greatly pointed out. I have a younger sister and I must admit that I was such a little bitch with her when we were smaller because I was very immature but it's been getting better as the years have gone by. We have a closer relationship now; we support each other and talk a lot more than we used to. I really like talking about this kind of stuff and it's interesting to talk to people who are the only child to listen to their perspective :) loved the vid!

[@Meegaan]

I personally am a middle child, I have an older sister and a younger brother. I've read a lot of things about being a middle child, and a lot of them are pretty true, but what you said about being an only child resonates with me most! I was kind of alone sometimes! The age gap between me and each of my siblings was too far away to be relate-able to each other, but not far enough to "awh, you're my cute younger sister!" My brother and sister were much closer than I was, so I was kind of left out a lot! I socialized with adults a lot as well, and as a result became mature very quickly. Almost everything you said relates very well to being a middle child, in my personal experience of course.

[@JKlatinagirl]

So happy that you posted this. We only have one child, and my husband and I at times would feel incredibly guilty not having a sibling for our 8 yr. old daughter. We tried but it was just not in the cards for us. I worry about our Emily, but she's been fine so far. It's great seeing a single child at your age, because it gives my husband and I reassurance that she's going to be ok ❤️

[@VVitchOfTheWildes]

So growing up, I was an only child until I was 10 years old, after my parents divorced and remarried other people. I have a weird knowledge of both sides of the sibling spectrum because of this, although I have to say, I'm much more a motherly figure to my 2 younger siblings than a true sibling because I'm so much older and I moved out of their house when I was 18 and they were 7 and 8. I really resonated a lot with what you said, Ingrid. I can be pretty introverted, creative, and a little too in-my-own-head at times, but I learned how important self-care was at an early age (even if I didn't realize it). Thanks for the video, I love your 5MFUs :)

[@BeautyBranded]

Totally agree! I actually never even thought being in my head a lot was contributed to being an only child but you're definitely right. I think being an only child makes for more of a independent, responsible adult because you're raised to rely only on yourself, but then again there's definitely some spoiled ones out there too.

[@BrainGiggles]

This is so insightful! Thank you for sharing this. I come from a family with a lot of siblings, and we are not close (I’m not close with them and they’re not close with each other - I think this was a result of how my parents treated us and each other). As a result of that, I made the decision to just have one child pretty early on in life. My husband and I just have one child and we’re quite happy. Because I know that my child will have all of our love and attention.

[@JUStxSMiilEx]

Thank you for making this video Ingrid! This is so important. I'm an only child too and was able to relate to all of the things you said. Everyone I know has siblings and always complain about them and I always wish I knew what it was like. I've been struggling recently with how being an only child as affected me as I've gotten older, so thank you again for making this video!

[@ElleYeah]

So interesting to hear what it's like being an only child! My sister is 12 years older than me so I feel like I got the best of both worlds. Not being around other kids at home meant my imagination did go through the roof and I'm very comfortable being alone. I can also totally relate to the saliva comment since well... I was one of those kids. But then again, I had someone to talk to who, although older, wasn't my parents. I also had someone to take me to the cinema each year to see the latest Disney film when my parents were both too busy, or let santa know I really wanted this toy even though I wouldn't have dared ask anyone for it, and most importantly I had someone incredible to look up to. Not so much relatable at the time, but definitely inspiring. Now we're both (technically) adults, she is my closest friend and the person I love the most. And even though she helped shaping who I am today, I still grew up being my own self and not "someone's sister," if that makes any sense. Also... #wordvomit

[@PattiQ]

I'm one of five, and I'm still afraid of conflict and am sensitive to criticism from people I love. Very interesting topic! Thanks for sharing!

[@buffypoynter]

I hate conflict as well! I also have friends who will be like "my brother/sister is an asshole, ugh I hate them" or just complain all the time, but they are still friends and hang out and love each other and I legitimately don't understand how a person can feel that way. If I don't like someone, or am annoyed by them I can't be around them. I don't want to talk around them, I don't want to hear them talk, I don't want to be around them at all. My friends with siblings are are also better with just dealing with people they don't like. But so much of this resonated with me!!

[@SuuupaaaChip]

Growing up as an only child with the closest thing as a sibling is my 2 years younger cousin who I would see about 3x a month, I experienced lots of the same things you went through Ingrid. TBH I find myself getting very lonely sometimes because I always had someone with me when I was young and even if i was chillin or playing alone the house was filled with animal friends to keep me company! Nowadays if i don't see my friends or boyfriend for like 3 days straight i get pretty depressed and lonely!! One thing I did really enjoy as an only child was always being my mom's favorite and not having to compete with anyone for affection, attention, or toys LOL. Having your own space/own room your whole life is pretty sweet, too. There's more i could touch on but I'll end it here, until next time. :*

[@destiny13006]

When my dad died I didn't have anyone who was going through the EXACT same feelings which I feel like might have been easier with a sibling. But really, I LOVE being an only child. My relationship with my parents was awesome. I also never feel bored because I learned to entertain myself. But you're so right about the conflict with peers thing... I never had articulated that but it's so true. I have the opposite experience with being aware though, I can never space out and actually have problems tuning people out say at restaurants or whatever. I get absorbed in other table's conversations... Lol. I feel like the first time I ever wished I was raised with siblings was at my boyfriends sister's wedding... Just to see the dynamic between them was so sweet and I'll never have that. But I loved being an only child so much that I think I'll just have one child myself.

[@abigail_frank]

Ingrid, you described being an only child perfectly- I experienced a similar upbringing being an only child. 💙 I definitely learned how to be grateful for what I have and I love that my parents are my best friends. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@Duffy14683]

This makes me happy to read this. I have a three year old Son and I worry for him I may not have another child. I hope he is happy like you :)

[@xCherrii1]

+Rach awwww I'm sure he is with such a caring mother!

[@abigail_frank]

+Rach There were many times I wish I had siblings, but I absolutely love being an only child. :) My parents explained to me that the reason they "spoiled" me was because they wanted to give me everything they didn't get growing up. My father was the youngest of four and my mother was the youngest of eight. And knowing the reasons behind every present made me that much more grateful. I'm also adopted so I am incredibly blessed for my parents. I don't have children yet (I'm 23) but hoping one day to adopt a child and teach them those incredibly words like "thank you" and "I love you." :) You already have hopes for him and that's the best thing a parent can do. Encourage his imagination, be understanding when he makes mistakes, and know that he'll look back and love you for it.

[@LaceyKeithbeauty]

You completely hit the nail on the head with the overly sensitive thing! I'm 23 and am an only child as well and whenever someone tells me to correct something especially at work I get all worked up about it! Even if they say nicely I feel like I totally screwed up and I get really upset (internally of course ha).

[@krismilko]

I didn't know you're an only child, Ingrid! I really don't like it when people ask, "Are you spoiled?" after finding out that I'm an only child. It's like I'm already being boxed as a spoiled brat who gets everything she wants, but this is definitely not the case. I think I got a lot of attention as a child because I never got to fight for my parents' attention since most kids are always, "Watch this, mommy!" Maybe, I'm spoiled on that aspect, but as far as getting material things? Never. My experiences back when I was a teenager has shaped me to become humble and be thankful for everything--big and small things. Like you, I had very few birthday parties. The "biggest" birthday party I had was my 10th birthday. Growing up, making new friends was EXTREMELY difficult because I was always the quiet one. I got used to being alone, but I never felt lonely. I love these #5MFU vids!

[@sweetlovem22]

I'm a super new member to the channel, like this is the first video I've watched because I grew up an only child as well. My dad has sons but I'm my moms only child. It was so weird hearing you talk about the pros and cons because that's exactly what life was like for me when I was younger. This was a really good vid and I can't wait to watch more! Thanks Ingrid!

[@renealexander2703]

Lainey Mitchell, if you have brothers, you are not an only child.

[@devonhayley]

I'm an only child, and your pros and cons really resonated with me. Especially things like maturity that isolates you socially. I found I got along best with other only children, because we were on eachother's wavelengths in terms of maturity and understanding. I also had a lot of home-schooled friends, both only children and with siblings, and because they spent a lot of time with adults, they were more like me as well.

[@Skelem0]

I'm the 2nd of 5 children and growing up I hated having a big family, because it made me feel different. Most other kids had only 2 or maybe 3 kids in their families at most. I actually envied one of my best friends who was an only child. But now, that we are all adults it's like I have 4 best friends, we all live in different states and have our own families now, but we stay in close contact and visit each other as much as possible. We are there for each other and I know that there is always someone I can call if I need to talk. And it's so fun to look back on our childhood and talk about the past and where we came from and where we are going, even though we are all so different, we are also a lot alike. Thanks Ingrid, you made me appreciate my siblings even more :D

[@kataruki]

I'm an only child, I grew up "comfortable" not spoiled, like others have pointed out, I would have had to share things, but instead the adjoining room was my play room. I never really felt isolated, I was friends with everyone (though now I'm def an introvert) but in elementary school on our class picture, everyone's phone number was listed. So I would call kids to see if they wanted to play. Spent my summers at the public pool with my best friend who lived a block over, playing, riding bikes and climbing trees too. I think I was also mature in circumstances with other adults, I don't remember constantly being told to hush because the adults were talking. I think that aspect helped me become a likable person with good sense of humor, for a kid to genuinely make adults laugh isn't easy, so I have a pretty sharp wit ;-) The most awkward part for me is being right in the middle between my youngest uncle and my oldest cousin. So in my family I have no peers

[@FashionablyAMY]

Hi Ingrid, I experience the same pro and cons as you even though I am an eldest child and I have two younger brothers who were only 1.5 and 3 years younger than me. But being an eldest sister in an Asian family, I also had the pressure to be a role model and to make sure my bros didn't get hurt or in trouble so the con was the constant worry and stress of being perfect and not let bad things happen otherwise I would get in trouble. In a sense because I was the only daughter, I felt like an only child at times. Our parents also never let us have gifts or birthdays so we were not nearly as spoiled as kids today. Love your 5mfus xoxo💋

[@ashleighhuntley6026]

I couldn't imagine a life without my brother. I hate him sometimes, but at the end of the day I love him more than I can describe in words. He's the best friend I don't have to worry about loosing.

[@nomine4027]

Yes. I am an only child and most of my contacts as a child were with adults, which made me have one hell of an advanced vocabulary for a kid. Also, books are very important to the only child, usually. I always felt connected to the world and life because of books. I could go anywhere and explore anything through books, notwithstanding the fact that books give people information and disparate views of life. I still love books and that will never change. Only kids have to be creative, I loved arts and crafts growing up and had pretty much everything that Crayola ever put out in the 80's. Why are only kids always thought of as spoiled? I did not get anything I wanted growing up, but its a pretty obvious statement that since we were the only children that there was more money allotted towards us but the stereotype can be true, and cant be a fallacy. The only child, adopted, who grew up down the street from me was HELLA spoiled and did get everything she ever wanted. Growing up, it was all about, like you say, earning what we wanted in life. One thing that I noticed about only kids is that we are usually much closer to our parents, duh, but that leads to uncertainty and worry because we don't know what to do when they get older/sick. Personally, I don't know what I am going to do when my parents die, and that is real talk. We don't have anyone to share our pain with and that just sucks no matter how one looks at it.

[@Lullayable]

I have 4 siblings ranging from 24 years old to 9 years old and I'm 22 years old and though they drive me nuts sometimes, I wouldn't change it for the world. Having siblings is great because you know that no matter what happens, someone will always have your back. No matter how much you screw up, how big your mistakes are...you'll always have someone to speak to. It also teaches you how to be helpful and how to say sorry. And you always have someone you can hang out with, especially if you have multiple siblings.

[@eleanorbrown8146]

Yes! I feel very similar things to you about being an only child. People are often surprised to hear that I am an only child because there is a huge association with selfishness and uncompromising qualities. I feel like I went the mature and quietly confident way. I love my own company and am also very creative; two very big parts of who I am today. I loved my childhood as an only child, but as an adult I do wonder if I am missing out on something very special when I don't have a sibling relationship.