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From Publishers Weekly
Forget about Leave It to Beaver, argues Newman (Little Things Mean a Lot) in this revised edition. These days, who needs siblings? They cost more money, demand more time and clutter up the house. One child may be the perfect balance for career types who want a family, or for older parents unwilling or unable to go through another pregnancy. Newman first lays out and debunks myths about the sad lives of only children: "onlies" or "singletons" are not shy, aggressive, spoiled or maladjusted. In the book's most trying section, she presents research and testimonies from parents of only children and from "adult onlies," which are helpful but occasionally sound somewhat scripted. She often seems defensive, and sometimes attacks families with multiple children noting, for example, that having four children is no longer "socially acceptable," or that only children see therapists more frequently simply because their parents are more attuned to their emotions. Yet discussing a case of sibling rivalry, she somewhat smugly recounts that the older child had to see a therapist because of aggression. This selectivity grates, especially later when she addresses exactly those issues that she previously dubbed myths e.g., the spoiled child, or "little adult syndrome." Nonetheless, she expertly discusses the finer points of raising an only child, with tips for encouraging sharing, making sure your child isn't running the household and guarding against a "state-of-the-art Child" that would help any parent in our affluent, child-centered times. Though she is generally too biased to help parents who are equivocating about family size, Newman's appealing, no-nonsense delivery and solid, reassuring advice will behoove those who already know that they will have only one child. (On-sale Aug. 14)
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Since almost a third of today's American parents are opting for one-child families, only children have become a popular subject for books in the past year (Ellie McGrath, My One and Only , LJ 6/15/89). Newman, author of several YA nonfiction titles, talks about the pressures facing parents to have larger families but argues that one child fits very well into the modern lifestyle. After enumerating the positive aspects of being and parenting an only child, Newman discusses the negatives but counters with practical advice on how to avoid common pitfalls. Much of the book's advice is useful for parenting in general, but parents of onlies will find this a particularly helpful guide.
-Marguerite Mroz, Baltimore Cty. P.L.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
-Marguerite Mroz, Baltimore Cty. P.L.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Is it a factor of economic restraints, more complex lives, increased infertility, pure good sense, or something else that is changing the makeup of the family unit? Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt
Is it a factor of economic restraints, more complex lives, increased infertility, pure good sense, or something else that is changing the makeup of the family unit? Read the first page
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally, a parenting book for parents of only children,
By E. Bushman (Newhall, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Parenting An Only Child: The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only (Paperback)
After taking parenting classes, listening to audio tapes and reading any book on parenting I finally found a book, and author, that really answered all of my questions. Parenting an Only Child by Dr. Susan Newman has been the first book I've highlighted sections of since college and my co-worders love to borrow. Here is just a little of a teaser: If you are even thinking about having only one child, and haven't made your decision yet, you MUST read this book. It will remove any guilt and pressure. Attempting to shield your only child is perhaps the easiest trap into which you can fall. As soon as you start interfering, tears will flow and dependence will begin to blossom. Don't focus on oneness. (This was Dr Newman's answer to my e-mail query, "Should I start an only child play group?") Involve your child as much as possible in activities that do not center on him, such as team sports, summer trips or camp programs. Playdates, playdates, playdates! The more your child shares his toys, his meals, and even his bedtime rituals at sleepovers the more she will learn how to get along with others. Onlies have to search these out daily as they don't have the built-in play available with a sibling. In effect, create sibling relationships so he gets noncontrolling behavior modeling from other sources. Advance reminders help an only child to your going out without him. Rebellion against your going out is one of the most obvious indications that your child is seeking control. So that about sums up my favorite parts but not the entire value of the book. So either try and get your hands on my highlighted well worn copy if you dare or spend the $13 for your own. I guarantee it's cheaper than counseling! And one last thing, thank you Dr. Newman for the best parenting book I've ever read!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
Author Makes Digs At Those Families With More Than One Child,
By A Customer
This review is from: Parenting An Only Child: The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only (Paperback)
This book is not about the joys and challenges of raising an only child. This book is about defending the only child. Throughout the book the author makes petty an immature remarks as to why having an only child is the only way to go. I purchased this book because I was on the fence as to whether or not I should have another child. I wanted an unbiased opinion on the pros and cons of having an only child to assist me with my decision making. Unfortunately, I am still on the fence.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very unhelpful,
By A Customer
This review is from: Parenting an Only Child (Paperback)
This book runs through a number of different reasons why one might choose to have only one child. It includes short statements from a range of parents talking about their concerns and fears when it comes to having more children and to a person they all sound self-centered and churlish. Reading this book has not helped me decide whether to have more children but it has made me realize what kinds of things are not important to me as I make this decision; cache," "prestige" and a desire to "deposit" my child with relatives so that I can travel more. Unless those sound like good reasons to you, give this book a pass.
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