Single Child : Strong-Hearted Yet Emotionally Alone?

Opening

In today’s fast-changing and competitive world, many parents prefer having only one child — be it a boy or a girl. The reasons often sound logical and practical. Education has become expensive, homes have shrunk in size, and maintaining a decent lifestyle in cities is a daily struggle. Providing the best facilities, comfort, and opportunities to one child seems like the right and responsible choice.

But behind this comfort and convenience lies an unseen emotional gap — one that quietly shapes the next generation’s behaviour, bonding, and emotional sensitivity.

Incidents

I have come across several real-life moments that made me reflect deeply on this subject.

1. A colleague once told me that her daughter kept all her toys locked in a cupboard whenever relatives came home, warning others not to touch them. That small act of possessiveness was a mirror of emotional isolation.

2. Another parent shared that she used to lock her son inside the house on holidays while going to work because there was no one to care for him. It reminded me of how joint families once provided warmth, protection, and emotional learning — something that many single children miss today.

3. Recently, my elder daughter’s friends, all above 18 now, went to a mall along with their moms. Some of them — all single children — demanded a share from my younger daughter for a game zone expense, even though they treated her like their own sister. Interestingly, those who had siblings immediately opposed the idea and insisted on sharing the cost themselves. That small yet significant moment became the seed for this reflection.

Reflection

When a child grows up alone, without siblings to share, argue, or comfort — they often develop a different kind of emotional mechanism. They become self-contained, protective, and less expressive. The art of sharing, adjusting, and compromising - which naturally grows in a family with multiple children , doesn’t come easily to them.

It’s not their fault. The environment trains them to be independent and strong-hearted. But somewhere, this very strength turns into emotional dryness. They often appear confident and practical but struggle to express tenderness or vulnerability. Their social circle becomes limited, and relationships sometimes feel like calculated exchanges instead of emotional bonds.

Takeaway

The intention of this reflection is not to judge or generalize, but to awaken awareness. Every child , single or with siblings deserves emotional nurturing beyond material comfort. Parents need to consciously fill the space that siblings naturally occupy by encouraging sharing, empathy, teamwork, and compassion.

In the race for a “better life,” let us not forget to teach our children how to live beautifully with others. A strong mind is valuable, but a warm heart is priceless. ❤️

✍️ Author Note

Written by Rakesh Kushwaha — an educator, storyteller, and founder of “Mathivation HUB.”

He blends real-life reflections with human emotions, inspiring readers to learn, feel, and grow together.

Thank you for reading. If this story touched your heart, share it. It might inspire someone else too. At Mathivation HUB, we believe that every small reflection can awaken a big change.