For me, that included writing, with my parents always encouraging me to create little worlds made of the written word. Single-child families have become increasingly common. Only child 'syndrome': how do siblings, or a lack of them, affect your. Ed., LCSW. By a child-care authority and mother of an only child, this useful, knowledgeable book provides sound advice on creating an enriching environment that's stimulating and enjoyable for only children and their parents … People ask whether you had a lot of imaginary friends. … Jul 11, 2016 - You're a mom AND a woman. Find real-world parenting advice, fashion & beauty inspiration and great conversation with moms like you. Do you feel that you must be very careful, or perhaps extremely careful and caring about your only child to the extent that you must care for the child as if you're caring for four other children you've not had. The ramifications of parenting an only child are pervasive, though. My imaginary friends had imaginary friends. Scientists have discovered that being an only child doesn't just lead to behavioural differences that can set kids apart from those with siblings - it actually affects a child's brain development, too. Explore. Being an only child means that your parents are focused on you. Parenting an only child comes with plenty of perks. But that doesn’t mean raising a singleton is easy. "Emotionally healthy parents make all the difference in how an only child turns out," says Karen R. Koenig, M. The conundrum of parenting too much or too little is one that is faced by many parents of an only child, and it is sometimes difficult to find the right balance. Parents of an only child might slip into the role of confidante more easily than parents of multiple children. To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. I sent my child to a Catholic school, but we are going to change to a private school as she is surrounded by children from large extended families who do not require the same extracurricular activities as we do. As a result, your hobbies and talents are nurtured and you're able to explore them. Elisa Cinelli. Research shows this is a positive in terms of self-esteem, achievement, and even intelligence. But as the only child’s parents age, the only child’s world starts shaking. Travel. We get it! Find real-world parenting advice, fashion & beauty inspiration and great conversation with moms like you. I wouldn't change my upbringing for anything. You can also make this easier on yourself by encouraging his passions with organized activities, whether sport teams or after school chess clubs, or Saturday film-making classes. Are they kidding? They have all the support and attention of loving parents. Planning in advance can help you minimize the stress, but caring for your parents may still be a difficult task. An Only Child Environment. Parents of only children face unique challenges during stay-at-home orders. Parents and medical professionals frequently use developmental milestones, such as when a child learns to speak or read, to track that child’s growth relative to their peers. Just ask Hope Austin of Mountlake Terrace. According to a 2015 report by the Pew Research Center, the percentage of women who have only one child has doubled since 1976, while the percentage of those having three or more has decreased. 8. My daughter is bubbly and extroverted...and she has no siblings. Allow your child to form other adult relationships. Helping parents to face the future when an only child has died. It is lonely and overwhelming. His parents play time find real-world parenting advice, support or help extroverted... and she no. 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