Is it better to be an only child or to be raised in a large family? Justify your opinion.
Today’s average family consists of no more than four people – parents and two children. What was the norm in the past – even ten family members living under the same roof – is frowned upon and ridiculed nowadays. Children who do not have any brothers or sisters seem to have a hard life, too, as their peers call them selfish and spoiled, which is not always the case. In my opinion, all these examples of criticism are unfair, as you can become a good person both if you have just one sister and if you have four brothers, and even if you are an only child.
Large families often find it difficult to make ends meet, especially if mother does not go out to work and father is the only breadwinner in the family. Children have to share clothes and toys and they have to sleep in the same room. They often lack privacy, as they are never alone. The oldest kids feel deprived of their childhood because they have to look after their little brothers and sisters. On the other hand, only few large families are dysfunctional ones where parents abuse alcohol and children become beggars. In most of them family members in need can count on his or her relatives’ help and friendly advice. Having duties at an early age helps shape one’s personality and teaches responsibility, selflessness and teamwork.
I strongly believe that being an only child does not result in becoming an egoistic monster. This is true that if you have no siblings, you tend to be in the centre of your parents’ attention, you get all their love and, last but not least, you have your own room. However, in the future you will be responsible for your parents when they grow old and you will not be able to ask your sister or brother for any help. Only children do not grow up alone, they make friends at school and later at university and work. It often happens that a good friend becomes as close to you as a brother whereas people who grew up in bigger families complain that they do not seem to have much in common with their relatives apart the same name and similar looks.
All in all, no matter if there are three or thirteen people in your family, you have an equal opportunity to become a happy and well-balanced person. You will experience both carefree and rainy days in your childhood and your future will depend on many other significant factors than your family size.
Pytanie, które może zadać egzaminator
What factors other than your family size can shape your personality?
As I mentioned in my speech, the number of family members is only one of the factors which influence our adult life. Your parents can be loving and attentive even if you have three brothers and they can be always busy and detached if you are an only child. Definitely, our personality traits depend on our genetic heritage and our surroundings – school education, neighbours, friends and in fact everybody we meet and everything we experience during our lifetime.