The Future of Your Only Child

Book excerpt: One-child households have doubled over the last two decades, making it one of the fastest-growing family units in America. Expert Carl Pickhardt aids families in understanding the common traits of many adult "onlies"--like shyness, perfection, and intolerance--so that they can better prepare for potential outcomes. He also celebrates the positive qualities of only children and how to encourage characteristics like thoughtfulness, creativity, and ambition. Pickhardt sheds new light on issues that many only-child families encounter, such as: -attachment problems -conflicts between only child and parent -performance anxiety -unusually high personal expectations -feelings of entitlement -dependence -problems with risk-taking With a distinctive focus on long-term effects, this book will help refine and improve daily parenting methods. Parents will welcome these insightful guidelines for the formative influence they wish to provide.