Name: One and Only
ISBN: 9781451626964

Lauren Sandler

A prominent journalist, only child, and mother of an only child presents a case in support of one-child family life, offering perspectives on how single-child families can benefit the economy and environment while promoting child and parent autonomy.

The Freedom of Having an Only Child, and the Joy of Being One

One and Only

Pratik M

Sandler cites extensive evidence (sometimes a little too much) to dispel typical myths that surround "onlies" (only kids). Research shows, they aren't aloof, selfish, or maladjusted and in fact do better in life than kids with siblings. Of course, I had selfish reasons to read this book since I want ample ammo whenever I'm asked by a relative on when (not whether) are we having another kid. Even the most educated of us believe in the myths even when told about ample evidence to the contrary. 

Dear parents of just one kid, do yourself a favor and read this before you decide to have another kid "just to keep your existing one" company. You may want to having more kids but perhaps this book will make you less judgmental of those who choose not to.

Laura

As an only child who has lost a sibling, I really wanted this book. I thought that the facts she brought up were ones I have always known existed but hadn't done the research Sandler has done to back it all up. Reading it felt more like a memoir then a book of facts about only children even though the end she says it isn't a memoir. So much of her personal experience and baggage is woven into the book that it is hard to distinguish her experiences. The biggest downside to this is that she expresses the same bias which she seems to have experienced. Although I agree with her about that there should be more tolerance and support for families of onlies (especially people who only want one), she is extraordinarily nasty about families with many children. I am glad I was able to read her and I hope that more people research this topic more in depth

One and Only The Freedom of Having an Only Child, and the Joy of Being One

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