Only Child, Not A Child Alone Beginnings

Growing up as an only child shaped me in ways I didn't fully understand until much later in life. On the surface, I had everything I needed—love, attention, and a world of imagination to explore. But as I got older, I realised that being an only child came with challenges that weren't often talked about, especially in the books I read as a child. So many stories centred around sibling dynamics, leaving me to wonder where I fit in a world that seemed to celebrate large families.

The truth is, I never felt lonely, but I did often feel different. At school, other children in my class would ask if I missed not having brothers or sisters. (It was particularly worse on picture day when everyone who has siblings would go to the hall and leave me in class on my own) There was this unspoken assumption that I must be missing out on something crucial, like a playmate or confidant. But that wasn’t my experience. My parents and friends filled my life with love, and I was content with my own company. Yet, I didn’t have the words to explain that to others, or even to myself at the time. That’s where ‘Only Child, Not a Child Alone’ comes in.

For as long as I can remember, I've always loved poetry. I started writing poetry at a young age, finding comfort in crafting verses that reflected my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Poetry became my haven — a space where I could be vulnerable and authentic. But it wasn’t until much later that I realised the same passion could extend to writing for children. (Maybe being a Primary School Teacher helped with that also?)

When I look back, I realise how much I would have benefited from a story that reflected my own experiences as an only child. I needed a book that said, “You are complete just as you are.” A book that didn’t make me feel like I was missing out, but rather showed the unique joys of being an only child—like developing independence, creativity, and a deep connection with relationships in your life.

I didn’t have that book growing up, but as I got older, I started to write the stories I wished I had as a child. ‘Only Child, Not a Child Alone’ is a product of that journey. It’s the book I needed to read. Being an only child is just another way of experiencing the world, not a limitation. I hope that for children today, it can offer the understanding and validation that I once craved.

By writing this book, I’ve tried to bridge the gap between my childhood experience and the understanding I’ve gained as an adult. If I can help even one child feel seen and validated through this story, then I’ve done what I set out to do. We all need stories that speak to us, that tell us we belong, and I hope ‘Only Child, Not a Child Alone’ can be that story for someone out there.