Although parenting approaches change, attitudes about only children remain stuck in the past.
The negative stereotypes — lonely, selfish, bossy, spoiled, socially maladjusted — make parents think their child will be at a disadvantage when compared to those who grew up with siblings.
The Case for the Only Child debunks the myths, taking into account the many changes the nuclear family has experienced in the face of two-family incomes, single parenting, women starting families later, and the economic reality of raising children in our modern world. Combining often-surprising findings with real-life stories, compassionate insight, and thought-provoking questions, Newman gives readers a guide to help them decide for themselves how to best plan their family and raise a single child.
- Provides fascinating facts and statistics to show the reason for the rapid rise in the number of singletons
- Explores pressure from friends, relatives, and strangers to have a second child … and how to deal with it
- Demystifies the realities of raising and being an only child
- Answers the difficult question: Does a child need a sibling?
Praise for The Case for the Only Child
“I love books that present good news most people don’t know about. This is such a book. Susan Newman lets you know that far from being damaged, only children can have it made! As a parent, you can have one and be done, and Dr. Newman shows you why. Goodbye guilt, welcome the fulsome joy of being parents to a one-and-only!”
– Edward Hallowell, M.D., author of The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness.“Finally, a book that says your family is okay — in fact, can be wonderful — however you form it and however many members it happens to have! At a time in history when the words ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ need to embrace all sorts of families if we’re going to make genuine progress, The Case for the Only Child fills an important void — and does so with lucid insights and sharp intelligence.”
– Adam Pertman, author of “Adoption Nation” and executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute“Once again, Susan Newman brings some common sense to modern parenting, this time with very valid reasons for having an only child. Whether you’re feeling pressure to have another baby from your parents, your neighbors or your kid, The Case for the Only Child provides the socio-economic and psychological proof that maybe your gut — and your wallet — are right.”
– Jen Singer, author of Stop Second-Guessing Yourself guides to parenting“The Case for the Only Child is an informative, well-thought-out review of the controversies that surround the issues of family size. Newman debunks the stereotypes and myths about only children, answering tough questions about what it means to be a family and how to handle social and medical pressures, including the rising rates of secondary infertility.”
– Marc Goldstein, M.D., Professor of Reproductive Medicine and Urology at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University and co-author of A Baby at Last!“Are only children spoiled, lonely, and selfish? Finally, a valuable resource for those who have or are considering one child. A powerful book, The Case for the Only Child challenges misguided advice from family and friends, reveals the facts about only children, and teaches how to handle unwanted pressure and self-doubt. Only you can define what family means and this book gives you the confidence to embrace that view. A must read that will free you of any guilt or shame you might feel for not wanting (or not having) another child. This book is a gift.”
– Alex Barzvi, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the New York University Medical Center and co-host of About Our Kids, Doctor Radio, on Sirius/XM“For anyone debating the issue of ‘filling your nest, but how full?,’ this book is a wise and empowering read. As the mother of an only child and the founder of MotherhoodLater.com, a community for midlife mothers, I know the self-doubt and judgment that some parents experience. Susan Newman offers a validating and refreshing pat on the back for those going the only-child route.”
– Robin Gorman Newman, Founder & Parenting Blogger, www.MotherhoodLater.com“Susan Newman has written a delightful, honest and readable book which explores a complex issue — whether to have more than one child. She presents and explores every possible conflict and scenario with compassion for all sides of the issue and for all members of the family.”
– Jane Mattes, LCSW, author of Single Mothers by Choice, www.singlemothersbychoice.org
News Coverage
- Only children don’t need to be lonely children during the pandemic
CNN- Social distancing with an only child: How parents can help
Washington Post- Parenting an Only Child Through a Pandemic
Medium- What’s behind the rising number of single-child families?
KARE11-TV- The rise of the only child: How America is coming around to the idea of ‘just one’
Washington Post- Only-Child Syndrome: Lonely, Entitled — Creative?
Medium- Why does society judge single-child families like mine so harshly?
The Sydney Morning Herald- Can being an only child affect creativity and social skills?
The Indian Express- Why your second child isnt any easier
OZY- 13 Things Everyone Should Know About Only Children
Greatist.com- The case for one child: Would you be happier with just one kid?
New Zealand Herald- How Many Kids Should You Have? The Great Debate
Yahoo! Parenting- Brothers & Sisters & Nobody: The Science Behind Growing Up
Medical Daily- One and Done? Why the ‘only child’ has new company and popularity in contemporary society
The Jewish Exponent- Do Only Children Have More Problems Making Friends?
Psychology Today- One child, plenty of company: What parents need to consider as they raise their only child
Chicago Tribune- No Siblings: Am I Cheating My Only Child? The science is reassuring for parents of one.
(U.S. News & World Report)