6 Benefits of Having Only One Child

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These days, having only one child is still seen as a "lesser" family. But trust me, it's not.

Just like less is more, having one child can be a huge plus.

Only-child families are just as wonderful and fulfilling as families with more children.

In fact, they're outpacing families in key happiness metrics, such as life balance, finances, etc. 

How many children you want or can have is your matter.

So don't nix one-child families until you check out all the benefits of having an only child!

Only Children Are no Longer the Exception

In case you've been living under a rock: one-child families are trending worldwide.

As a result, the birth rate is rapidly declining in most developing countries.

For example, 47% of families with kids have only one child in Europe alone.

Please don't take my word for it. Single-child families are the fastest-growing family unit.

Here are some key statistics about the fertility rate worldwide and in the U.S.

It's clear: more parents are choosing to have only kids, and having just one child is no longer the exception. 

No Magic Number for Family Size

Honestly, I never thought about how many children I wanted to have.

I have surely wanted one since I was a child myself. But otherwise, I was open!

However, after I became a mother, I felt absolutely complete.

With me, my husband, and my daughter, I felt like I had achieved the pinnacle! It was the perfect number for us and what made sense in family dynamics.

Everyone is different, so follow your instincts. But don't rule out having an only child. It may be the magical number for you.  

6 Benefits of Having an Only Child

The benefits of having an only child are endless for parents and kids alike.

There are certainly many pros to only having one child. 

Here are my favorite perks of being a mom to a singleton!

1. Undivided Attention 

Giving Olivia my undivided attention is probably the most significant benefit for me.

I've witnessed my daughter's development without feeling guilty about neglecting another child.

We have such a special connection that usually, one look is enough to know what each other is thinking.

Then, no word is needed before we burst out laughing.

Giving your undivided attention and creating strong bonds with just one kid is easier.

Often this can lead to a healthier relationship, as you can give your all.

Your kid will also benefit from getting in lots of family time.

Now that Olivia is older, we've been spending significant time together. She's become a great partner!

 

2. Financial Power

Raising a child is rewarding but pretty expensive at the same time.

So if you're uncertain about the finances – let's be honest, the cost of childcare alone is enough to make anybody faint – one kid may be a good choice. 

But it goes beyond the upfront cost: your only child will get more opportunities.

Instead of dividing resources, you can center them on one kid.

This means more trips, activities, and opportunities later in life.

Furthermore, it will give you a better chance to save for your child's college and retirement.

 

3. Life Balance

Striking for a good life balance is challenging under any circumstances.

However, finding time to develop your career and get in hard-earned downtime with one child is a little easier.

Besides, your kid doesn't need to struggle with their parent's attention.

I'm a big believer in "happy mother, happy kid." 

A better life balance means you'll be more available (physically and emotionally) to your child and more fulfilled by your life choices. 

Hence, bringing more happiness to everyone involved.

4. No Sibling Rivalry 

No need to take sides! Without siblings, you won't have to deal with disputes and hurt feelings.

You'll also avoid comparing your kid with others.

Instead, you can focus exclusively on your relationship with your child, which will likely improve your only child's chances of having higher self-esteem.

Often children with siblings feel like they need to compete for their parent's attention and resources.

Unfortunately, this can lead to lifelong rivalries and even resentment.

Growing up with three sisters, I know exactly what that feels like. I was always the black sheep, and it wasn't easy to find my place.

 

5. Good For the Environment

One of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by not having another child.

If the environment is a crucial concern for you, or if you've been trying to find greater meaning in your decision/circumstance, having only one child is an excellent way to align with your values.

You'll also avoid the bane of many parents' existence: the minivan! 

6. Build Independence Early on

Only children have many positive traits, contrary to the bad rap usually associated with them. 

Research on college students concluded that only children score higher on tests of independence.

Moreover, these children appear more independent than their first-born peers.

Part of this is that only children learn to be independent early. They don't have siblings to rely on but themselves.

This independence is a great skill that will help them throughout their lives.

Love Your Family, Not its Size

As you can see, having an only child can be a blessing, not a curse.

So fellow mothers, please make the most of your only by enjoying these benefits and telling your friends about them!

There's no reason why there should be an only-child stigma attached anymore.

Raising your only child can be as fulfilling as parenting more than one child.

It's your family that matters. So regardless of its size, enjoy every moment! And don't forget – happy parent, happy child!