Last updated on May 2, 2020
‘Do you want more kids?’ or are you on the fence about how many kids you want to have or should even conside having??? OR is the question of should my child have siblings your main concern. These are all very common questions that we think about as married women without kids, partners or mothers of an only child.
As married couples and new moms we ALWAYS get this question and it does feel like society is pressuring us to figure it out asap and that’s ‘how many kids do you want?’ AND ‘should I have another child?’ Since most mamas are asking for help online, I found a parenting expert, social psychologist, stepmom of 4 and mom of an only child to break it down for us Susan Newman PhD.
Only children and first born have an extreme advantage in their intellectual abilities.
Susan Newman PhD.
Dr Susan Newman is a social psychologist, parenting expert, speaker, workshop facilitator and bestselling author and author of 15 books. She focuses on building strong family bonds, raising an only child, grandparenting and the interaction between adults and children. She has studied this hot topic for over two decades and published 2 books about it ‘the case for the only child‘ & ‘parenting an only child‘.
In this episode we are focusing on the most popular myths about raising an only child….will he or she be spoiled, selfish, weird, not learn to socialize, etc. as well as the dark side of having siblings…and it’s not always the best choice in every situation. Susan Newman breaks this question down at every category of life decisions that might be keeping you stuck on this question…shoul I or should I not?
! YOU CAN BE PART OF SUSAN’S NEW BOOK !
Are you an only child OR Are you raising an only child of any age? Susan would love your thoughts on being or raising an only child. YES!
***Please email Susan at snewman9@gmail.com Use Subject: Only Child Interview and she will ask you a few questions about it. All conversation will remain confidential. ***
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE!
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What you’ll learn in this episode:
0-4:00 Intro
5:20 Her story, why she started researching ‘raising an only child’?
6:30 How family size has changed over the years?
8:40 We have been brainwashed into believing that a child needs siblings.
10:10 Uncovering some myths about raising an only child
10:30 Only children are spoiled…true or false?
12:15 An only child is selfish…true or false?
13:50 An only child won’t socialize with other kids…true or false?
15:30 The effect of parents as good role models on children
17:00 The dark side of having siblings.
19:50 Parents can help create sibling substitutes.
21:45 The importance of Ignoring people’s opinions
24:00 Other factors that are important to consider if you should or shouldn’t have another child.
25:25 What happens when both partners don’t agree in the # of children they want?
27:25 The relation between your own family size and how you view families.
29:15 The roles of children in families have changed.
30:30 How many kids you should be having…listen to this part!
31:30 Where to find more about Susan Newman PhD. & How you can be part of her next book for single child parent or if you’re raising an only child.
Connect with our guest:
Ressources mentioned in this episode:
- Book: Parenting An Only Child: The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only
- Book: The Case for Only Child: Your Essential Guide
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It’s important to share your thoughts and ideas directly in the comments. We all need each other to thrive as mothers and parents in this lifelong journey. Share your love, frustrations, favorite takeaways and stories in a respectful way.
Christiane xxx
