Ever since 2003, I have been getting my weekly time magazines. I read it cover to cover and love it because it makes me feel smart and knowledgeable. It comes every Saturday, which I call "Newsy Magazine Day." (That's a "Billy Madison" reference....) Well, a recent issue was titled this:
And it just absolutely made my day! It said that only children are portrayed and believed to be "overprivileged, asocial, royally autonomous...self-centered, aloof and overly intellectual." All of these things are things that I have been worried about since Maddie is an "only child." And everybody loves to tell me so ("when are you having more kids," "you don't want an only child," "she needs a brother or sister...."). The weird part was that she seemed just fine. Top of the class in all subjects, including sociable and friendly. (Of course, I think this might also have to do with the fact that I have a degree in child development and that I work my butt off to be a good mother and happened to marry a man who is a sweet father.)Well, it turns out that this "only child" worry isn't necessarily true. "Generally, studies showed that singletons aren't measurably different from other kids - except that they score higher in measures of intelligence and achievement....No matter their income or occupation, parents of only children have more time, energy and money to invest in their kid....That attention leads to not just higher SAT scores but also higher self-esteem....Only children tend to do better in school and get more education - college, medical or law degrees - than other kids....Singeltons offer the rich experience of parenting without the consuming efforts that multiple children add: all the wonder and giggles and shampoo mohawks but with leftover energy for sex, conversation, reading and so on..."
This article made me take a huge deep breath...... Although I never intended on having an "only child," it turns out that is what I have. At least for now. And it's good to know that I'm not screwing up her life..... :o)
3 comments:
You are fantastic parents to that sweet little girl. I love reading about the creative things she does and that you do with her. You do a great job!!
Thanks for sharing! Cole and I only plan to have our two children, and I constantly worry about Shyler not having a sister, or Easton not having a brother, and if I'm denying them... But Cole and I feel like we can have a good balance with two and it won't be overwhelming...I know they aren't "singletons", but it's close and it's nice to hear some positive reinforcement of our choice.
I hate the days you get your dang Time magazines.
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