KBC boy sparks debate: Are only children truly spoiled? Psychologist explains

Recently, a KBC contestant named Ishit Bhatt went viral, sparking a debate about whether only children are spoiled. Many people believe that children without siblings are selfish, lonely, or socially awkward. However, psychologists and research studies suggest that these assumptions are myths. What really shapes a child’s behavior is how they are raised, not the number of siblings they have. Parenting style, emotional support, and opportunities to learn life skills are far more important than family size.

In fact, only children often develop strong emotional and verbal skills because they spend more time interacting with adults. They may also receive more focused attention and emotional guidance. But problems can arise if parents meet every demand immediately, avoid setting boundaries, or shield the child from challenges. In such cases, children may struggle with patience, resilience, and negotiation skills. The idea that being an only child automatically leads to entitlement or selfishness is not supported by research. Studies by scholars like Toni Falbo and Denise Polit, who reviewed over 100 studies on only children, show that only children often perform as well or better than children with siblings in terms of empathy, social adjustment, and academic achievement.

Myth vs reality and the six-pocket syndrome

Psychologist Saakshi Batra explains that the stereotype of only children being spoiled does not hold up in scientific studies. Most only children are emotionally and socially well-adjusted, provided they grow up in a nurturing and structured environment. Some nuances exist, though. For instance, parents of only children may sometimes dismiss minor complaints more quickly than parents of children with siblings. This highlights that the quality of care matters more than the number of children in the family.

In India, there is also a cultural phenomenon called the “six-pocket syndrome.” This occurs when multiple adults in a family—parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—over-indulge a single child. While this can lead to a child receiving excessive attention, it does not automatically make them spoiled. Many only children grow up in extended families, joint households, or close-knit communities where they interact with cousins and other relatives. These social networks help them learn respect, patience, and empathy. Only children can also develop strong self-expression, creativity, and emotional sensitivity if parents encourage independence and healthy challenges.

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Why parenting matters more than siblings

The key factor in a child’s socio-emotional development is the emotional environment they grow up in. Only children raised with warmth, consistent rules, and opportunities to face challenges often become empathetic, resilient, and socially skilled. They may even surpass children with siblings who are overprotected or not given opportunities for independence. Encouraging children to deal with small failures, negotiate with peers, and understand others’ perspectives teaches them patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

The viral moment of the KBC boy reminds us that the stereotype of the spoiled only child is outdated. The better question is not “Does having no siblings spoil a child?” but rather, “What kind of emotional support and guidance is the child receiving?” When parents focus on providing balanced love, clear boundaries, and real-world experiences, only children can thrive just as well, or even better, than those with siblings.

In conclusion, only children are not inherently spoiled. Research and clinical experience show that family size is far less important than the way a child is raised. Emotional warmth, structure, challenges, and opportunities for social interaction shape empathy, resilience, and adaptability. By understanding these factors, parents can raise well-rounded, confident, and kind children, whether they have siblings or not. The KBC boy’s viral moment serves as a reminder that myths about single children should be replaced with awareness about what truly matters in child development.