I was the only child and only grandchild for 6 yrs. yes, I admit I loved it and I have stringer relationships with my now deceased grandmother and 1 special Aunt.
My brother is 6 yrs younger. We've never been close. We are very civil with each other but there is no " bond" as some would suggest.
He is on the downside right now financially and I feel that's his choice as a parent as he does not fully understand money and planning as I do. Ironically, I am the one who started working at age 13 and worked up to 3 jobs at the same time through college.
I do my best to help his family. He and SIL have huge giving hearts and they stretch themselves financially to support the 3 children they have plus any exchange student who comes to town.
I send all of my daughters ( 17 yr old) clothes to his 2 girls and they love wearing brands they can't afford but they appreciate the name brands we send which are hardly worn.
So to answer... I was pretty much the only and I was treated that way through my childhood due to my drive and determination. Now I am paying it forward... Not with a solid relationship with my brother but by making sure his 2 girls have fun exciting clothing and most especially food at the holidays.
I make extra effort to do things for his children because I want them to have good memories.
One if my brothers children is an adopted foster child who has been an inspiration to everyone. Their " rules" we're no child in diapers but they got a call for this child and no foster family was available. They took her at 6 months old, found on her moms dead body from a drug overdose. Interracial child which was even harder in their area but this child, now " officially " in the family for 3 years us such a blessing to everyone she is around.
That... Is why I support my brother. He and SIL have hearts of gold and unselfishness.