The Rise of Only Child Families

This chapter examines the growing trend of only child families in the U.S. and globally, influenced by declining fertility rates and factors such as economic uncertainty and climate concerns. It challenges societal perceptions of single-child families and addresses historical misconceptions rooted in early psychology, particularly the views of G. Stanley Hall. The conversation also touches on research regarding the parenting attitudes of only children in China and the implications of screen time on children’s development.