I hear this from time to time and would like to hear the general consensus on it. Is it possible to raise an only child without them growing up somewhat selfish?

My daughter looks like being an only child-the way things are going it is unlikely she will have a sibling. I am looking for some hints on what to avoid, and how to avoid them.

I am the youngest of a 6 child blended family (either mothers children had different father, fathers children had a different mother). I am the "baby of the family". I don't really count my fathers other children, they were never around when I grew up. If I count only my mothers, my two sisters and I have a 14 and a 17 year age difference, so they were around when I was growing up, but already out on their own.

I think to a point, for the first 10 years or so, I was spoiled, I was the baby. Life changes after age 10 changed that, and I had to take on the role of adult compared to still being a child and trying to enjoy my childhood. I don't think they intentionally spoiled me, I think they were just happy as I was a "love child" and a miracle baby since my mother had me late in life.

I think everyone works out in life the way it should. I don't think there is a specific guideline to follow for this, but you can only help to teach your child right from wrong, there is a time and place for everything (children misbehaving in public compared to always being good at home, etc) and teach them patience. Let them know they might be the only child, but that doesn't mean act like a brat. :)

I was an only child. I don't think I was selfish as a child, and I definitely am not as an adult. I learned to share with my parents instead of other siblings in the house, but I learned. My mom also encouraged me to pick out a toy for "toys for tots" each year from my list to help me learn to give to others. I also had friends over or went to their house to help me learn to share and play well with others. I didn't get whatever I wanted either. Sometimes I had to wait or save my allowance to buy it myself, and I didn't get allowance unless my chores were done. As long as you encourage responsibility and the idea of earning things and don't give give in to whatever she wants you should be fine.

I really agree with stuffabunny. It all depends on the way parents treat their only child. If you give in to every want of the child, it would learn to be selfish. But even without any siblings, if the parents have taught their baby how to share things to them and also to friends, then it would teach the child how to be unselfish.