Exclusive for Current and Future Parents of an Only Child

Mother of 4 Advises Mothers of Only Children

It’s natural for parents of only children to wonder if raising “just one” is different from raising multiple children. In some respects, it certainly is. But, as I have learned from personal experience, many of the lessons taken from raising two or more kids can readily be applied to parenting an only child.… Read More

10 Holiday Tips from and for Parents of Only Children

Guidance that fosters gratitude and joy and works beautifully for children with siblings too. Parents of only children often face unique challenges during the holidays, especially when it comes to a child’s sense of entitlement. The following suggestions are drawn from one-child parents’ experiences and strategies, offering practical ways to enjoy celebrations at the same… Read More

The Only Child Revolution

A revolution is taking place, not in the streets or through political upheaval, but in the private lives of families across the world. The only child is rapidly becoming the dominant family unit, reshaping what was once considered traditional. The Quiet Family Size Shift Seen Around the World In Canada and the UK, 45% of… Read More

How Parents Can Steer Clear of the Achievement Trap

As parents, it’s natural that we want our children to be successful. We want them to do well in the world and not struggle. But this can become a burden on children when parents overemphasize achievement in academics, sports or the arts. Without meaning to put pressure on children, we can get caught up in… Read More

Having One Child is The New Normal

We are living in a new era, one in which family as we knew it (mom, dad, 2 kids) is being redefined in myriad ways by changed social and economic factors. Today’s parents are re-defining family. Across the United States, and in countries such as England, France, China, Korea, and Canada, one-child households have become… Read More

The Secret Sauce for Building Children’s Memories

For years, our family had “Ralph” in all his plush furry glory. He was our secret sauce for building the children’s memories. How children remember differs by their age and the “ingredients” parents need to use… Read More

To Have or Not to Have Another Child

One woman’s revealing story of her emotional rollercoaster ride and struggle deciding whether to have or not to have another child. It provides insights or perhaps affirmation for the decision you may already have made.… Read More

29 Only Child Requests: Parents, the Correct Response is No

Yes, I said yes to my only child and stepped in or gave in. Saying yes is a trap only child parents fall into. Saying no, however, teaches important life lessons. Read more… Read More

Only Child Stereotypes: Fact vs. Fiction

Proponents of large or larger families claim your only child will be spoiled, lonely, or selfish or worse. These 7 social stereotypes and others date back to the late 1890s and have no basis in fact and probably never did… … Read More

The Firstborn-Only Child Edge

There is no right or wrong family size, but there is strong evidence demonstrating a firstborn and only child edge. In families, the finite resources parents have means that any given sibling will be given less time and attention than if they were an only child. In essence, siblings compete for whatever their parents can provide. … Read More

Dethroned: Sharing Mom and Dad With a New Sibling

Parents of only children will likely agree: their singleton rules the roost. So, what happens when a baby is on the way? … Read More

Older Moms: 40 is the New 30

The”older moms” trend is clear: More women in their late thirties and well into their forties are starting families.… Read More

Mothers With One Child Are Happiest

Having an only child is desirable from a wide range of viewpoints and practicalities, but that doesn’t make decisions about family size any easier.… Read More

Do Children Need Siblings to Become Good Sports?

If your toddler refuses to share a toy or take turns, even if the person doesn’t say the words, you know she is thinking: If that child had a sibling she wouldn’t behave this way. But is it true? Do children need siblings to learn social skills?… Read More

Only Child Benefits, According to Those Who Lived It

Onlies in their 20s, 40s, 60s and 70s shared their feelings and revealed five distinct advantages to being an only child.… Read More

More Babies, More Housework for Moms? Not Necessarily

Despite the fact that more women than ever before have full-time jobs outside the home, household labor remains largely the mother’s responsibility. So perhaps it isn’t surprising that more and more women are choosing to have only one child.… Read More

Imaginary Friends: Should Parents Worry?

Lisa’s four-year-old daughter Hannah mentioned her new friend Betsy. Lisa assumed Betsy was one of Hannah’s pre-school classmates until Hannah asked if Betsy could have dinner with them. “But she’s not here,” her mother said. “Yes, she is,” Hannah insisted. “She lives here.” … Read More

She Wants a Baby…He Doesn’t

What happens when a couple is divided on family size? … Read More

Note to Parents of Singletons: Your Child Won’t Be Lonely

Parents of singletons often worry that without siblings, their child might have problems sharing and making friends — and hence, will be lonely. But, this stereotype of the only child as lonely child has long been without merit. … Read More

Do You Have the Energy for Another Child?

Deciding whether or not to have another child is a difficult decision. To parents of singletons who aren’t sure how an addition will impact your family, consider this oft-repeated phrase: “One is One, Two is Four…”… Read More

Is the Economy Shrinking Family Size?

This tough economy is causing many people to actually cut back in so many different ways. Even apparently on the number of children they have. … Read More

Great Expectations: May Be Too Great for Only Children

With parents of only children, the tendency to want their children to excel can be so focused that it becomes counter-productive. Here are suggestions to benefit both parent and child.… Read More

4 Working Attitudes for Parents of One

A parent’s approach to rearing has far more to do with the child’s behavior and eventual outcome than does the number of siblings he does or doesn’t have. In order to achieve a livable balance, parents of onlies must think big; they must operate as if they had a clan.… Read More