Joys of being the only child

SOME people believe that being the only child in the family is a disadvantage. This in fact is quite the opposite in my case.

It may not be true for everyone, but I feel that being the only child has brought me closer to my parents. What makes me say this? I will start from the beginning - not from the day I came into this world but from my days as a young girl of six or seven years.

Being the only child meant getting more attention and love. Having no brothers or sisters meant that there was no need to fight or argue for what I wanted or needed. In this sense, I did not have to face any favouritism.

My parents would take me everywhere, from parties to concerts. I would never feel bored or left out as there were always other children to meet and play with.

Apart from 'outings', they would buy me many things I was fond of, usually fairy tale books, Barbie dolls and stuffed toys. They realised that I had a talent for music, so they bought me a small piano to find out whether I was really interested.

I was allowed to join ballet and painting classes . . . I was always with either my mum or dad and we did so many things together. My parents spent a lot of time with me during my younger days and that has made me love them so much.

Being the only child has been a big advantage for me. There are no arguments and there is no noise in the house. This gives me more time to concentrate on my studies and my music.