The phrase “one and done” was conceived to define parents who have intentionally (or not) decided that they are completely gratified with having only one child. That’s not to say that some parents don’t experience a little grief here and there regarding said decision. But they are owning, defending, and loving every minute of their one and done family lifestyle!

Not to get into it too deep – but we are a one and done family. My husband and I have an eleven year-old daughter who is, and always will be, an only child. She is no more or less special, different, or loved than any other child who does or does not have siblings. We made a conscious decision to stop at one because it worked best for us as a family.

That’s not to say that this outcome wasn’t met with some judgement from family and friends – and even strangers! We are often questioned about our choice, even after eleven years, and we still sometimes feel the pressure to have more.

Related Post: We Are An Only Child Family

Why having just one child was the best choice for us as parents.

• Less stress & pressure.
• Ability to pursue our own interests and our careers.
• Spontaneity.
• Close parent/child bond.
• Undivided attention.
• Less financial strain.
• The happiness factor.

When it comes right down to it, having one child, four, or none at all is really a personal decision that is solely up to the potential parent(s). There is no perfect family dynamic and no right or wrong number of children in a family. Do what’s right for you!

In today’s society, is it okay to just have one child?

Even though you may feel the pressure to have more – having just one child is more than okay. Raising children – whether it’s one, two, or six – is not an easy task in itself. Parents who have multiple children may think that raising only one is a breeze in comparison. But parents of one child go through the same phases and development with their only child that those with multiple children do.

Society often dictates that only children are lonely children and that kids can only thrive when they have a sibling to grow up with. While growing up with a sibling (or two) may be a great source of companionship and support, it may also lead to a toxic relationship and competing for affection – which may be equally destructive.

Are one and done parents typically happier than those with more than one child?

Let’s get serious here for a moment. There’s is no magic family dynamic or number of children that is better or worse than the other. While one child may be enough for one family, another may thrive with a half dozen. Perhaps having more than one child could make a parent – especially a mother – a little less happy and more stressed.

Having just one child may mean a parent can devote all of their energy to a single kid.

How prevalent are one and done families?

“Only-child families were the single most common type of family in 2021, according to Statistics Canada. Forty-five per cent of families had one child, compared to 38 per cent with two and 16.6 per cent with three or more.”

The Globe and Mail – In uncertain times, more parents are choosing to have only one child.

What are some of the common stereotypes surrounding only children?

Only children are overpowering and pushy.

All any child wants – whether an only or otherwise – is to be included and liked by others. Playing well with others (like all developmental skills) is taught and learned as a child grows. Only children aren’t any more bossy or overbearing than their friends or peers. To be honest, I’d say only children are less so since they don’t have any competition at home.

Only children are spoiled rotten.

Being spoiled really is relative. Having just one child to support and buy for may be a little easier on a parents pocket book than supporting a whole brood. Speaking from experience, we do indulge in our daughter a little, but we certainly don’t give her everything she wants.

Only children are more independent.

Dare one says, some only children are even more mature than those their age with siblings. Only children may be more self-reliant since having such close relationship with their parents. Plus being independent is far from a bad thing, if I’m being totally honest.

What are some of the benefits of being an only child?

• A closer relationship with parents. There’s no competition for attention since there’s only one child.
• Quality time with one’s self. There’s no lack of personal space.
• Loyal and long-lasting friendships. Only children are just as socially adapted as those with siblings.
• Ample resources. Regarding finance and opportunity – there’s more to give and devote.
• One does not need a sibling to be happy!

Is an only child destined to be lonely their whole life?

This is not a myth: Only children can have just as many friends and “family members” as those with siblings. Not every special person in a child’s (or adult’s) life are blood related. Sometimes, the people we meet throughout our lives remain close and are often thought of and treated as family. A child does not need a sibling in order to be successful, or happy, or in order to be whole as a person.

All a person – young or old – needs in their lives are people who care about them. Having a sibling could be the best thing that ever happened in one’s life. But it can also be the worst. It’s important to know that being an only child does not define who you are.

Are you a one and done parent? Do you have any grief about just have one child?

Please feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts on the subject. I’d love to hear from my fellow one and done parents!