Speaking of Psychology Are “onlies” lonely? Busting myths about only children, with Toni Falbo, PhD
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Oct 16, 2024 Toni Falbo, a Professor of Educational Psychology at UT Austin and expert on only children, dispels myths about their supposed loneliness and maladjustment. She reveals that only children often excel socially and academically, challenging negative stereotypes. The discussion navigates the growing trend of single-child families, influenced by modern factors like economic concerns. Practical parenting advice on promoting healthy social interactions rounds out the conversation, debunking myths around screen time and imaginary friends.
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Stereotype Origins
- Only child stereotypes come from the common sense assumption that they lack playmates, leading to neuroses or overprotection.
- Parents might overindulge them, resulting in selfishness.
Loneliness and Only Children
- Evidence for only children being lonelier is weak; some studies, especially in China, show they're less lonely than kids with siblings.
- Only children spend more time alone but not necessarily lonely, often enjoying one-on-one time with their mothers.
Social Skills Development
- Kindergarten teachers reported only children having weaker interpersonal skills but stronger vocabularies.
- However, by age 12, only children report as many friends as those with siblings, suggesting they catch up socially.