Have you (and your partner) have decided to raise an only child? This can happen for so many reasons, but whatever it is, here are some things that can help you raise your child without any siblings:

They say the having siblings can teach social values such as sharing, compromise, etc. However, you can provide opportunities for your child to learn by letting them interact with other children. This can be by means of playdates with friends’ children, or by entering them to pre-school.

Build close relationships with relatives. Your child’s cousins, especially those close his age, can help your child learn how to interact with other people.

Encourage your child to make friends. Some only-children can become shy at first so you need to be there to encourage your child. Allow your child to go with friends in supervised outings.

Try not to spoil your child. It’s very easy to do so since you don’t need to worry about sibling rivalry, and your attention and finances won’t have to be split among other children.

Be close with your child. Any child, only or with siblings, should always feel loved and cherished by his or her parents.