There are a lot of reasons why having only one child was the right choice for me, but I certainly questioned that choice at various points. Ultimately, I feel confident in my decision, but it's also nice to read this book and understand the wider evidence about what having an only child means for both the child and the parents. Newman debunks the stereotypes of the isolated, selfish or lonely child, and reminds readers that it's the quality of parenting that matters, not the number of siblings. I feel reassured that I didn't "cheat" my child out of a sibling experience, because for my family the outcomes have been so overwhelmingly positive, including a special closeness with my child that grew from my ability to devote so much nurturing time to him alone.

"Just One" by Susan Newman, PhD offers evidence-based strategies for nurturing competent, independent only children.
Also, it shows that the stereotypes about only children are not true.

As a mother of an only child, this book caught my attentions.
Just like many other parents, I was asked if I will have more children.
This book validated my choice of not having more children and gave me some ideas about situations that I will confrunt with in the past.
The studies discussed ion the book show that an only child doesn't have disadvantages, on the contrary, in many cases they have a better development.
There are also many personal examples from parents with only one child and some situations are relatable.

I think that this would be a good book for parents that are not decided if they want multiple children.
There are a lot more advantages in having only one child than I knew.

Just One was an interesting read looking at the benefits of having only one child. The research discussed how only children are not disadvantaged by being an only child, and in certain circumstances are better off.

It is a well written book which I would recommend to someone struggling to decide between one child or multiple children. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone keen to have more than one child as it would not be relevant.

Publication date is due to be 15 July 2025.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

Is the only-child stigma a deserved one? Is there a valid reason to have only one child? Will parents regret having just one child? The author answers these questions and many more in this we’ll thought-out and researched book on the subject.