Even though the number of only child families increases steadily, people have dated ideas about only children–and often about their parents. This group is about all things small family, to be supportive, answer questions, solve problems (the mother or mother-in-law who wants you to have another). We welcome anyone to post here, too or look at…[Read more]

I am proud to be the parent of an only child. My daughter is now 18 and away at college, so I am an empty nester. She is bright, funny,caring, and well-adjusted. Her friends say they can’t believe she is an only child. I would be happy to share my experiences as a mother of an only child.

“I can’t believe she is an only child.” That seems to be the new refrain about only children these days which just goes to prove the point that only children are no different from other children. It’s the parenting that counts, no the number of siblings a child does or doesn’t have that affects development and outcomes. Lots more about this at Psyc…[Read more]

Susan, you’re right. I get the same thing said all the time about my son. The parenting DOES count. He also has four cousins to play with so he never thinks being an only child is lonely.

I am an only child of first generation Latino parents from the South Bronx. My parents made a conscious decision to have one child so she could devote every resource to educating me and giving me everything they had (emotionally and financially). Their plan to make me a “super star” worked as I attended Wesleyan University and have become a…[Read more]

Lizandra, Thank you for your comment. I have a question: was your husband hoping for a boy?

Actually, my husband was hoping for another girl. He wanted my daughter to have a sister. The boy has become my little buddy and my daughter is a Daddy’s Girl.

Hi, I would like to join this forum, I have a daughter of 2.5 years and don’t want any more.

Welcome, Elizabeth. You might want to take a look at Psychology Today, Singletons; there is TONS of information related to having or being an only child. I also have a new book, The Case for the Only Child: Your Essential Guide (with a chapter devoted to standing up to the pressure to have more children). Feel free to send me any questions.