Only Children

Abstract

The single‐child family is a rapidly increasing family form in the United States, and the predominant family structure in China, which promotes a one‐child policy. Changing demographic patterns such as later family formation and societal pressures contribute to one‐child families. Only children benefit from being the sole recipients of their parents' emotional and economic resources. Without sibling support, they face greater demands when caring for their own aging parents. Historically, only children were viewed unfavorably in terms of social skills and the effects of overindulgent parenting styles. Some of the stereotypes and inconsistent findings stemmed from methodological variables in the studies. Current research emphasizes no major characteristics of only children apart from expected heterogeneity. The influence of multigenerational family dynamics on single children, the importance of effective parenting techniques, and the role of diverse social inputs which expose only children to a variety of constructive influences are relevant.