Readers have responded to Kate Lawler's article about choosing to have just one child, pushing back against the stereotype that an only child is inevitably lonely. William Buckley of Reading, an only child himself, expressed disappointment that such myths persist. 'I lived contentedly with my mum, dad and grandma. I don’t recall being lonely and made friends easily enough,' he wrote. He noted that research suggests only children often have advanced verbal skills, perform well academically, and handle solitude better. Buckley urged others to respect personal family choices, adding, 'Can everyone else mind their own business?'
Siblings not always a positive experience
Tania from London challenged the assumption that having siblings is inherently beneficial. She described a childhood where her older sister would abandon her for better activities, and her father played favourites, creating rivalry. 'For every person I know who has an amazing relationship with their siblings, I know another who has had major friction or become estranged,' she said.
Heatwave terminology clarified
Matt from Sheffield responded to a reader questioning the use of 'heatwave' for recent warm weather. He explained that 'heatwave' is an official term defined as temperatures hotter than average for that time of year. 'The average temperature for July is usually around 17C so the fact it’s been 32C for an extended period is more than it just being a bit hot,' he wrote.
Time off for World Cup matches
Paul from Braintree, a train driver and cycling enthusiast, pushed back against a suggestion that businesses should let staff leave early to watch England's World Cup match. He noted that if such logic applied to his interests, the railway would need to shut for nine weeks to cover three Grand Tours.
Media scrutiny of Farage's crypto-gift
Peter Brown of Cleckheaton defended media coverage of Nigel Farage's undeclared £5 million crypto-gift, which has triggered an official probe. He argued that Farage, a former City broker, has built a career on questioning others but now cries foul when questioned himself. 'The media is doing its job, reporting the fact,' Brown wrote. Terry from Winnersh suggested the Clacton by-election should be suspended until the investigation into Farage's finances concludes.
