Are only children more or less mature for their age?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think they are more independent and also tend to have more advanced communication skills. They also seem to have more confidence on average, probably because they feel extremely secure in their parents love. However, they can also struggle more with peer conflict because they don’t get any practice with siblings.

My only has alarmingly advanced communication skills and is extremely confident, but I think second children are more independent than onlies and firsts. DD needs an audience for everything she does, while all my friends' second kids entertain themselves quietly for what seems like hours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:More mature in some ways (usually conversation and interests) and less mature in others (social skills, independence). I find parents cater to their only child and are less likely to teach them life skills or let them be independent from parents with things like walking to school, managing homework.

I find my kids only children friends to have some irritating traits honestly, same with adult friends with a few exceptions (like my friend who had a hippie mom and grew up commune style). “World revolves around me” is a real thing not just a myth

And your kids certainly have some irritating traits, too. What's your point? (Don't even try to tell me you never realized your children can be irritating to others too).

I was answering the question? And sure, of course they do. Kids with close age siblings are more competitive and can be petty. More likely to throw themselves into a conflict.