ONLY CHILDREN
Are you an only child? Do you have siblings?
Is it "bad" to be an only child?
The common misconception is that only children are "generally maladjusted, self-centered and self-willed, attention seeking and dependent on others, temperamental and anxious, generally unhappy and unlikeable and yet somewhat more autonomous than a child with two siblings". (Thompson) This myth dates back to the late 1800's when G. Stanley Hall, the founder of child psychology, called being an only child "a disease in itself". Since this, evidence has been discovered refuting Hall's statement.
Studies in recent years have found this statement to hold untrue. The American Counsel on Research in Education held a study in 2005 on the differences in IQ levels between only children and those with three or more siblings. When the results between age-like children were compared, the only children found to score an average of 12 points higher than those with three of more siblings. It is believed that the one-on-one parenting produces higher education levels, higher test scores and higher levels of achievement due to the uninterrupted attention only children can achieve because of their lack of siblings.
Studies in recent years have found this statement to hold untrue. The American Counsel on Research in Education held a study in 2005 on the differences in IQ levels between only children and those with three or more siblings. When the results between age-like children were compared, the only children found to score an average of 12 points higher than those with three of more siblings. It is believed that the one-on-one parenting produces higher education levels, higher test scores and higher levels of achievement due to the uninterrupted attention only children can achieve because of their lack of siblings.
Fun facts about only children
-There are currently 20 million single child families in the US.
-The percentage of American women having one child has more than doubled in 20 years.
-The average cost to raise a single child until age 17 (not including college) is between $200,000-300,000.
-The US Census reports the single child family is the fastest growing family unit.
-The percentage of American women having one child has more than doubled in 20 years.
-The average cost to raise a single child until age 17 (not including college) is between $200,000-300,000.
-The US Census reports the single child family is the fastest growing family unit.
Common Only Child Characteristic Traits
Imagine if you grew up never having to share the bathroom, your toys, or the TV? How do you think this could influence you? You never had to share the time you spend with your parents, or the amount of attention, funds and energy they have to give. Some common traits of only children include confidence, attention to detail, success academically, and an overly critical attitude. Commonly, they are comfortable in their opinions and not afraid to make decisions, like things to be organized and they are often on time. They tend to read a lot and have a good memory for facts and figures. Though, while being a perfectionist is not such a bad thing, onlies have a tendency to take this to the extreme and don't/can't/won't stop until their desired task is achieved.
Myths about only children and their parents, debunked
Youtube, Simon Schuster Videos
Francine Jay: Is One Child Enough?
Huffington Post: Parents
Francine Jay discusses that as a woman's biological clock is ticking, she and her husband must come to the pressing matter of how many children they want to have. Is one enough? People are not possessions but parents tend to think "the more the merrier" when it comes to children. Is this right for every family? Is this right for you?
Read here to find out more...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/francine-jay/is-one-child-enough_b_1949798.html
Read here to find out more...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/francine-jay/is-one-child-enough_b_1949798.html