Page 42 - Mother & Baby - UK (March 2020)
P. 42
‘I decided
to have a child on
my own using a sperm
as a society, but can have long- donor. Now I’m a single connected to other children via
lasting effects on children.’ parent and in my 40s, I don’t technology,’ says Susan. ‘All of
think I have the energy to handle your time and attention is
Forward thinking two young children on my funnelled into one child, giving
It seems a strange consideration own and be as responsive them a larger vocabulary and,
when you’re tending to your baby, a parent as I want to be.’ therefore, academic advantage.’
but many people enjoy making Nicki Wong, 42, from Many parents also find having one
dark prophesies about the future Leeds, is mum to Tyler, child offers more freedom. ‘We get
when it comes to only-children. ‘For 18 months plenty of one-to-one time, and
me, the hardest things are hearing: logistics – drop-offs, pick-ups, kids’
“You can’t just have one – who’s going to parties are easier with only having
look after you when you’re old?” or “Who one schedule to worry about,’ says Tasha
will she have when you’re gone?”’ says Lori Fairbairn. ‘And we can always do things that
Collins. As tactless as those questions can be, are age appropriate for her, as we don’t have
you may have an underlying concern about siblings of different ages to worry about.’
lumping the worry of parental care on to your
baby when she’s grown up. But don’t fret too your Family, your choice
much; ‘Only children step up to the plate when Ultimately, your family should be like your
they need to, and don’t forget they will have the knicker drawer – it’s full when you decide it is,
support of friends, cousins, and partners, too,’ and it’s no-one else’s business! Whether you’re
says Susan. ‘Parental ill health can lead to keen to raise a football team or couldn’t feel
conflicts among siblings and, ultimately, care more complete than when your baby grasps
tends to fall to one person anyway.’ your finger, concentrate on raising your family
with love and kindness, and don’t worry about
totally devoted to you the numbers game. ‘A lot depends on the
Having one means you’ll need to spend a bit personality of your child they are all
more time on planning out your baby’s social individual,’ says Susan. ‘One thing’s for sure:
life in her early years – ensuring that the two you couldn’t pick out an only-
of you spend time with other parents and child – only-children are
babies, to provide vital socialisation. ‘It’s far more alike children To chat with other
a bit more effort, but having a sibling is no with siblings than parents of only-children,
guarantee that they would play together they are different visit the Facebook group
anyway, and once they’re older they’ll be easily to them.’ My First, My Last,
My Everything
40 | Mar ch 2020 | mothe ra ndbaby.co.uk
