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The Case for the Only Child: Your Essential Guide [Paperback]

Susan Newman P.h.D.
3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

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Book Description

June 1, 2011

Although parenting approaches change, attitudes about only children remain stuck in the past. The negative stereotypes—lonely, selfish, bossy, spoiled, socially maladjusted—make parents think their child will be at a disadvantage when compared to those who grow up with siblings.

The Case for the Only Child debunks the myths, taking into account the many chang­es the nuclear family has experienced in the face of two-family incomes, women who have children later, and the economic reality of raising children in our modern world. Combining often-surprising findings with real-life stories, compassionate in­sight, and thought-provoking questions, Dr. Susan Newman provides a guide to help you decide for yourself how to best plan your family and raise a single child.

-Provides fascinating facts and statistics to show the reasons for the rapid risein the number of singletons

-Explores pressure from friends, relatives, and strangers to have a second child . . . and how to deal with it

-Demystifies the realities of raising and being an only child with personal stories and current research

-Explores the highly debated question: Does a child need a sibling?


Frequently Bought Together

The Case for the Only Child: Your Essential Guide + Parenting an Only Child: the Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only + The Future of Your Only Child: How to Guide Your Child to a Happy and Successful Life
Price for all three: $34.17

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I love books that present good news most people don't know about. This is such a book. Susan Newman lets you know that far from being damaged, only children can have it made! As a parent, you can have one and be done, and Dr. Newman shows you why. Good-bye guilt, welcome the fulsome joy of being parents to a one-and-only!"

Edward Hallowell, M.D., author of
The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness and other books

(Edward Hallowell, M.D., )

 

"Once again, Susan Newman brings some common sense to modern parenting, this time with very valid reasons for having an only child. Whether you're feeling pressure to have another baby from your parents, your neighbors, or your kid, The Case for the Only Child provides the socioeconomic and psychological proof that maybe your gut—and your wallet—are right."

Jen Singer, author of
Stop Second-Guessing Yourself guides to parenting.

(Jen Singer )

"The Case for the Only Child is an informative, well thought-out review of the controversies that surround the issues of family size. Newman debunks the stereotypes and myths about only children, answering tough questions about what it means to be a family and how to handle social and medical pressures, including the rising rates of secondary infertility."

Marc Goldstein, M.D., Professor of Reproductive Medicine and Urology at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University and coauthor of A Baby at Last!

(Marc Goldstein, M.D. )

"Are only children spoiled, lonely, and selfish? Finally, a valuable resource for those who have or are considering one child. A powerful book, The Case for the Only Child challenges misguided advice from family and friends, reveals the facts about only one child, and teaches how to handle unwanted pressure and self-doubt. Only you can define what family means, and this book gives you the confidence to embrace that view. A must-read that will free you of any guilt or shame you might feel for not wanting (or not having) another child. This book is a gift."

Alex Barzvi, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry at the NYU Medical Center
and cohost of About Our Kids on Sirius XM's Doctor Radio.

(Alex Barzvi, Ph.D. )

"For anyone debating the issue of 'filling your nest, but how full?' this book is a wise and empowering read. As the mother of an only child and the founder of MotherhoodLater.com, a community for midlife ­mothers, I know the self-doubt and judgment that some parents experience. Susan Newman offers a validating and refreshing pat on the back for those going the only-child route."

Robin Gorman Newman, Founder/Parenting
Blogger, www.MotherhoodLater.com

(Robin Gorman Newman, )

"Susan Newman has written a delightful, honest, and readable book that explores a complex issue—whether to have more than one child. She presents and explores every possible conflict and scenario with compassion for all sides of the issue and for all members of the family."

Jane Mattes, LCSW, author of
Single Mothers by Choice, www.singlemothersbychoice.org

(Jane Mattes, LCSW )

About the Author

Susan Newman, Ph.D., is a social psychologist and the author of 15 nonfiction books about parenting and issues affecting family life. She taught at Rutgers University and is a featured speaker/workshop facilitator on family life and children's issues. Susan is the author of the classic book Parenting the Only Child and blogs for Psychology Today magazine. Visit the author at www.susannewmanphd.com.


Product Details

  • Paperback: 264 pages
  • Publisher: HCI (June 1, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0757315518
  • ISBN-13: 978-0757315510
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #467,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

As a social psychologist, for decades I have focused on relationship and family issues from enriching parent-child and family connections to reaching a sensible balance between work and family, from preventing child abduction and alcohol abuse to getting along better with your parents when you are all adults, and more. The material for my articles and books comes from extensive interviewing and evaluation often combined with the studies and findings of other psychologists, psychiatrists, and related experts. My goal is to provide readers the most accurate, objective, and useful insights available on the topic.

I believe conflicts and disturbing problems can be eased, if not solved, and most relationships improved when people are willing to make the effort. My books are created and designed to give you the information and tools to help you succeed in making a better, happier life for yourself, your children, your parents, partner, friends, and work colleagues.

Those considering or raising an only child will find interesting discussions at my Psychology Today magazine blog: Singletons

Customer Reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
(10)
3.8 out of 5 stars
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I must begin my review with a confession. As a parent of an only child, I was interviewed by Dr. Newman for this book. She asked me about a wide variety of issues facing parents of only children. When the book came out on June 1st, I was excited to read how she translated all the issues.
This book is very comprehensive in that it addresses so many issues facing parents of only children. From how to deal with people who insist you need another child to blatant myths associated with the personalities of only children, Dr. Newman deals openly, honestly and supportively with the topics. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who has questioned or second guessed their decision to have one child. I also reccommend this book to anyone that has ever had to deal with that intrusive question, "When are you going to have another child?" Furthermore, I reccommend this book to anyone studying economics, sociology or psychology. If more people would read Dr. Newman's book, perhaps we'd live in a more understanding, accepting world!
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!! June 8, 2011
Format:Paperback
I would highly recommend this book to all closest friends. Everything I have ever questioned about parenting an only child was touched on in this this book. Dr. Newman is brilliant! Can't wait to read her next book.
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15 of 20 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Good but too one-sided October 19, 2011
By dec
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I wanted ta book to talk about the benefits of having only one child. And this book did that. At the same time, it was really too one-sided. It only talked about the benefit of having one and why that's better. I guess I was really looking for the benefits and tough parts of having one, or having two. And I was also looking for how to help my child grow up as an only child, and this book didn't cover that really.

I also didn't like that this book seemed to assume that the parents always work outside the home. I do, but not everyone does.

The title is apt though--it is truly "The case for an only child."
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful Book
Great book supporting the choice of having an only child with facts and data, and addressing the insecurities and societal pressures one faces in making that choice. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tracy
1.0 out of 5 stars The case for the worst book I have read in a long time.
This book is terrible. It does not present any evidence or research to support the author's case - it is just a bunch of anecdotes from parents of only children who seem to be... Read more
Published 4 months ago by ann w
3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I thought
I was looking for a book to validate our decision to be One and Done, and thought she'd have good research on onlies. Read more
Published 4 months ago by AmericanDoll
4.0 out of 5 stars Evidence based...
The Case For The Only Child solidified or decision to raise only one child. While Newman didn't provide any enlightening reasons condoning single-child families (at least none... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Armchair scholar
5.0 out of 5 stars makes sense to us
My wife and I are very, very happy with our one child. Our daughter is so happy having mom and dad to herself. Having one child is so easy it is like having none at all. Read more
Published 7 months ago by sb2012
3.0 out of 5 stars Mostly anecdotal
I bought this book hoping to get some tips on raising an only child. While there are a few, it's mainly full of anecdotes from parents who claim they had or want (some are young... Read more
Published 16 months ago by ConsDemo
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Research!
As a mom of an only child and documentarian making a film about only children, I picked up this book with great interest and was not disappointed. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Mich69
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