The Interest Of Having An Only Child For Families – Being Parents

Today, many families decide to have an only child. The causes vary and go beyond cultural or religious beliefs. The various factors involved are, among others, economy, time available and feelings. What is certain is that having children is a responsibility that involves lifelong learning.

Each mother, each father or each couple chooses how to experience this change. The choice of the number of children defines, to a large extent, other administrative factors which cannot be planned in advance. The type of education offered, the formalities related to schooling or health, and even the inheritance of the family patrimony change considerably.

Administrative advantages of an only child for families

You can have access to family benefits when you decide to have only one child. They cover both the simplest and most routine matters as well as the most important matters, such as succession.

Organization of family time with an only child

Parents of only one child find it easier to organize their agenda and generate a balance in the management of time between all their activities. The administrative procedures related to the education of their child require less time because they are centralized. But also those of health, schooling, extra-curricular activities, travel authorizations. Indeed, everything is simpler with an only child.

This saving of time in offices, schools or other institutions turns into more time shared with the child. A factor that strengthens the bond and promotes a happy childhood with strong benefits for children’s self-esteem. Indeed, the experiences lived between children and their parents are great pillars for a harmonious emotional development.

Invest more in education

The budget for education, extracurricular activities and even recreation is larger. The available material resources should not be distributed among several brothers and sisters. Therefore, the benefit of having an only child is obvious. In addition, an only child has better access to private education, language courses and professional development.

Some studies show that only children do better academically. On the one hand, this is due to their better organizational skills and their ability to create routines for homework. Indeed, being alone, without siblings around them, allows them to concentrate better to study.

On the other hand, parents can offer all their financial support to cover education costs. They often have the possibility of cultural exchanges or access to international universities. The policy of certain countries sometimes choose to favor these exchanges.

The sole heir of the family

Inheritance is a controversial issue when it comes to a large family group. In families with a single heir, the administrative advantages are notorious. Indeed, the administrative burden and the costs associated with the succession are considerably reduced.

The fact that nothing has to be shared with siblings simplifies the procedure. It is not necessary to write an act or a score book. However, the heir must still “take over” the property himself.

In the case of real estate registered in the land register, a written declaration of inheritance must be presented. As this is an only child, a public document is not necessary, which therefore represents another source of financial savings.

One-child policy

China is the country that has implemented the one-child policy despite the controversy surrounding it. The objective of this state policy was to control the birth rate in order to eliminate national overpopulation.

Effective law enforcement has mainly focused in urban areas. Control in rural areas has been less strict. In the latter case, a second child was allowed when the first was disabled or female. Those who did not comply had to pay a fine per child.

For many years, the one-child policy was called into question. This is mainly because of the methods used for its implementation. From 2013, the law was revised and, after several deliberations, it was repealed. In October 2015, China abandoned the one-child policy in the country. Indeed, today, a Chinese couple can have up to two children.

Other interesting facts

Children who grow up without siblings have better creative development. Indeed, they are considered to be able to reason with maturity earlier in life. Still, it can lead to some problems when it comes to bonding with other kids their age or working as a team. However, it is above all the education they receive from their parents that will mark their future and their social behavior.