Personally, even though I wasn't an only child, there is 5 & 10 years (well, and 20 years for the twins) between me and siblings, and it's lonely enough with just that difference

I know some people will only have one child because financially speaking they want the best for their child / their child to have the best of everything. Personally, I disagree with this, but this is MY experience from growing up. My mum was a single mum and yes, we struggled... and often we didn't have enough money to put a good food on the table, and often we wore our school uniforms until they had holes and could be replaced with more second hand ones. We at times had to live in refuges (thanks to an abusive partner).

From this I think I have learnt to appreciate things so much more. Okay, so the situation is a little different, but we always had the best Christmas' and when we could do something 'extravagant' it was always a wonderful experience. I also think it taught me to appreciate the value of money, maybe too much as I'm an absolute stingy b!tch when buying clothes, shoes, etc.

I don't think it's a social disadvantage either. I have known only children, who like Dachloster mentioned, lead socially fulfilling lives.

Being able to give more to one child (materialistically) would be great, but having the nicest shoes or being the only kid in the class who has been overseas doesn't shine a light to as being able to chat about the lego castle you built with your little brother on the weekend... but maybe thats just me.