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Mairead Ronan

Should I Give My Child A Sibling Or Is It OK To Be An Only Child?

A listener was in touch with Mairead with a dilemma that she really wanted some input on. Herself an...
Orla Ormond
Orla Ormond

6:16 PM - 7 Oct 2020



Mairead Ronan

Should I Give My Child A Sibling Or Is It OK To Be An Only Child?

Orla Ormond
Orla Ormond

6:16 PM - 7 Oct 2020

Listen to this episode



A listener was in touch with Mairead with a dilemma that she really wanted some input on.

Herself and her husband had their first child earlier this year and are absolutely thrilled with their healthy, happy baby. Her question now is around having another baby because she thinks it will be unfair if they're an only child.

However, the listener's husband doesn't want a second child as he believes it's too high risk for them because of their age. So is being an only child really a problem? Dr. Mary O'Kane, lecturer in Psychology and Education had some great insight on this.

She dispelled the myth of "only child syndrome" - this came from a study back in the early 1900's and was based just on people's opinions! Only children often have a much stronger bond with their parents and make good friendships as they go through life.

One area where being an only child can be a problem is when they are an adult and miss having the support if parents become ill or when they pass away.

We put it out to the listeners too and received some voice notes about their experiences of being an only child.

Should I Give My Child A Sibling Or Is It OK To Be An Only Child?

00:00:00 / 00:00:00

You can hear the chat in full by pressing the play button on screen.


Read more about

Childhood Dr Mary O Kane Only Child Only Child Syndrome Parents Psychology Siblings

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