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Singletons

The world of only children
by Susan Newman
Susan Newman is a social psychologist and author. Her books include Parenting an Only Child and The Book of NO. See full bio
September 14, 2008

Children Are Big Ticket Items

Children are big ticket items (eventually wanting big ticket items). We all agree that you can't put a price tag on children, yet the expense of raising them gives many couples reason to reconsider if, when, and how many. From the nursery to college graduation, parents are looking at spending a bundle. Rocketing costs are fueling the trend toward one-child families. Read More

September 6, 2008

Empty Nest: Who is needier, parent or child?

As college Freshmen settle into dorm rooms and college life, parents feel sad, nervous, and protective simultaneously. Well, some parents...and surprisingly, men can be more affected than women. Empty nest is over-rated especially for women. Read More

August 29, 2008

Is Cindy McCain Really an Only Child?

Her "sister" doesn't think so. McCain says she is. She's said she's an only child repeatedly in major national interviews. I think she would like to be--especially right now.

Read More

August 19, 2008

Dollars for Babies

Around the globe in industrialized countries, fertility rates have dropped below the population replacement rate of 2.1 children per female causing economic and social concerns for the future. In the U.S. with a fertility rate of 2.09, keeping pace with the "break-even" level is attributed to immigration. The unknown: How long can we maintain that rate with U.S. family size shrinking? Will money convince women to have more babies?

 

Read More

August 5, 2008

Raising “Star” Children: The Pressure May Be Too Great

Probably nowhere in the world is the pressure to shine greater than that exerted on Chinese only children. In a nation with a one child policy in effect for 30 years, these children are studied and scrutinized. Their outcomes are not always positive.

China's hard-striving only children are teaching all parents a lesson. Read More

July 27, 2008

Spoiled? Not My Kid

We live in an age of yes-parenting, in a culture of parents who can't say NO to their offspring whatever their age and whatever the number of children in the family. Yet, it's common practice to categorize parents of only children as indulgent-their children as spoiled rotten-and overlook the same parental behavior in parents who have more than one child. Read More

July 16, 2008

Who first told you only children were lonely and bossy? When was that?

Who first told you only children were lonely and bossy? When was that? Not to worry if you don't remember. "As the source is forgotten, the message and its implications gain strength."

Brain research explains stereotypes... Read More

July 9, 2008

If Dads helped more, would Moms have more babies?

If Dads helped more, would Moms have more babies?  

The enormous time and energy investment of mothers compared to that of fathers probably greatly influences the number of children they bear. The division of labor ratio between husbands and wives continues to run about 2:1, a ratio that is no different from 90 years ago when women stayed home.Read More

July 2, 2008

Passing Parents Around

When parents need support which siblings respond? In most families an inequity exists when it comes to adult offspring caring for their parents. One sibling doing a disproportionate amount of care often breeds heavy doses of friction and resentment. Read More

June 19, 2008

Imaginary Friends: Any in Your House?

"Wait," my brother shouts to my mother in his most determined voice, "George is way behind." She stops to let George catch up. On other occasions, my brother insists George be pushed on a swing or a cookie be saved for George. George, my older brother's imaginary pal, trailed him everywhere for a significant period of time. Months? Years? No one in the family can recall George's precise lifespan. Read More

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Books by Susan Newman, Ph.D.

Image of Parenting an Only Child: The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only
Parenting an Only Child: The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only
Image of The Book of No: 250 Ways to Say It -- And Mean It and Stop People-pleasing Forever
The Book of No: 250 Ways to Say It -- And Mean It and Stop People-pleasing Forever

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