The Only Child Option

This story was submitted by Caren Cohen of DJ Baby. Thanks Caren!

I’m an only child. At 35 all I have heard all my life is how I don’t ‘seem’ like an only. I truly think the difference was having lots of opportunities to socialize all my life. My parents made sure I had lots of play dates, did after school activities etc. Also when I was older (9) I started sleep away camp. Being in a bunk with 10 other girls for a month at a time taught me to share, take care of myself, and made me very independent.

There is nothing at all wrong with having an only child. Each family is a choice. Any child who is raised in a wonderful loving environment will flourish. I never thought I missed out on anything, I never knew what there was to miss out on!

Caren Cohen
www.djbabyclothing.com
Original Clothing for Original Kids

This story was submitted by Anne Clark of Usborne Books. Thanks Anne!

While having just one child wasn’t my initial plan, it was clearly the Universe’s plan, and I wouldn’t trade our family of three for anything!

After 4 years of trying, tests, and treatments, we conceived via assisted insemination with injectable fertility drugs - yea, that was fun. NOT!! Our son, Eric, is the greatest blessing of our lives - however, our marriage nearly didn’t survive. Neither my husband nor I want to get on that fertility ‘roller coaster’ again.

Eric is now 8 1/2, and he is kind, independent, affectionate, bright, and funny. He’s got his dad’s sensitivity and my sarcasm. The three of us make a great team. Each of us gets alone time, time as a family, and one-on-one time with each other. Eric & I have coffee dates, play games, and share a Webkinz obsession. He & Dad play video games, go on bike rides, and talk about cars. Dad & I get quiet reading time and occasional Date Nights.

At this point, I feel a baby would throw off the entire dynamic. Occasionally I wish I could be pregnant again - I loved it the first time! - or I yearn for a baby to hold. Then I spend a few hours with my toddler niece, and though I love every minute, I’m happy to return to my calmer, less chaotic world. At this point, I don’t want to ’start over’ - night feedings, baby proofing, a completely dependent child…

And Eric understands that giving him a sibling would mean a lot of stress on all of us, and it would take away a lot of our our time, energy, and money that goes to other things now. We’re a happy trio, and we’re all grateful for that.

Thank you for drawing attention to the fact that being an only child is not a bad thing, nor are only children spoiled & selfish brats!

Anne Clark, Independent Educational Consultant
Usborne Books at Home
www.BestFamilyBooks.com

Welcome to the Only Child Option. We hope to educate parents on the reality of only child parenting so you have somewhere to go for guidance if you only have 1 child and you can make an educated decision if you are still on the fence.

Check back for exciting information coming soon!