The Only Child Option

In an effort to be the most comprehensive resource for only child families, I bring you a talkshow that aired on The Takeaway July, 12, 2010.  Guests included psychologist Susan Newman, author of several only child parenting books and Lauren Sandler author of the Time Magazine story The Only Child: Debunking the Myths.

I was introduced to a wonderful concept by a friend of mine.  I WISH I had come across it when my son was 2-3 years old.  Sadly, he is 6 and I haven’t yet taught him to ride a bike.  He has other outside riding toys and we were given a bike that he hasn’t quite grown into.  This summer – I promise!

Anyway, My friend Erin has 4 boys – YES, I said 4!  She is an amazing mom and also runs a website at Measure Me Gifts. One afternoon we were visiting and her hubby took their 3-year old son to the bus stop to get the older ones.  Brandon put on his helmet, got on his bike and rode away – HUH??  I did a double-take!  It turned out to be a Strider PREbike Balance Bike.  There were not any pedals, just the bike frame, seat and handle bars.  Let’s face it, the hardest part of riding a bike isn’t the pedaling, it is the balance!  Well this bike teaches kids balance when their center of gravity is 9 inches off the ground instead of 1.5 feet.

If you have a toddler or preschooler, this is something you do NOT want to miss out on!  Erin gave me a card to pass on to anyone who can use it.  It is a FREE shipping code for the Stider PREbike Balance Bike.  It will save you $12 when ordering from http://www.stridersports.com.  Use  free-shipping code STRIDER1PADI01 at checkout.

Enjoy – and please let me know what you think!

We’re Three is a darling book by Vivian Cameron-Gallo about the joys of being in a small family – Mom, Dad and one little “bit.” Not only is it a cute story with beautiful illustrations, but it has three pages that invite the child to draw their house, things they do with their family, and a picture of their family. My son drew his pictures and now we have a fantastic family keepsake. You can buy this book at Amazon.com. Enjoy!

DETAILS:
Title: We’re Three: A Story About Families and the Only Child
Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence; 2010 Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year
Author: Vivian Cameron-Gallo
Illustrator: Christine Simcic
Publisher: Trafford Publishing (2008)
Reading Level: Ages 4-7 but suitable for all ages

We’re Three Blog
We’re Three on Facebook
We’re Three on Twitter

Here is an email from one of our site visitors. I asked if I could share it since it seems to reflect a common viewpoint.

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I just wanted to thank you for your website!

I have one daughter who is 3 and a half years old now and is our only child. My husband really doesn’t want another child and so I’m slowly coming to terms with this fact. Unlike you and your husband, we didn’t realize this would be the case when we got married. In fact, my hubby didn’t even know until the birth of our little girl. He was so taken aback by the whole change in life and really can’t face going back to those difficult first few months.

I was desperate for another child with the hopes of them having a loving caring relationship like I have with my sister. I never thought I wouldn’t have that, I always thought I would have 2 (preferably girls) that would grow and play together with a life time bond that only they could share. Someone to share all their memories with. Someone to call on whenever she’s needed with unconditional love. My husband is the youngest of 4 and told me that as a child he frequently imagined being an only child. I never had a thought like that, not once.

I am now living in Canada and my sister lives in England. I miss her terribly especially now she’s expecting her first baby this coming summer. Already, there is a good reason for my daughter to be an only child – no emotional ties holding her back! She’ll have the freedom to explore our world and make memories for her to cherish but still, I’m having difficulties with this decision.

I am finding it harder and harder as all of our friends start having their second and then even talking about a third! Especially those moms that head straight back to work or are just doing it for the sake of “the norm”. My mum was an only child, as was my mother-in-law and they are the worst at judging and putting their tuppence worth in!

I am looking forward to reading through your website and finding comfort in yours’ and other peoples positive views )

Beckie

The holidays are coming to a close, and hopefully the season was very merry for you. But for some kids, Santa doesn’t make a stop at their house. Which is where Toys for Tots comes in – helping provide thousands of toys for families in need. It’s really a wonderful program.

To help this great cause, CouponMountain.com (an online coupon code site) has pledged to give up to $50,000. But it’s up to you how much Toys for Tots will get. Because they’re going to give $1 for every Facebook Fan they have on Dec. 31.

So please – take a minute to log on and “Like” CouponMountain. Then pass it on.

How You Can Give $1 to Toys for Tots:

·      Go to: www.Facebook.com/CouponMountain

·      Select “Like”

·      CouponMountain will donate $1

·      Spread the word to your friends