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GoodToKnow
Lifestyle
Lucy Wigley

Myths of only children debunked as study reveals no reliable scientific evidence that being an only child affects ‘personality, behaviour, or well-being’

Only child running while holding hands of a parent on each side.

Researchers looking into 'only child syndrome', have set about debunking myths about stereotypical traits of only children. The results are very interesting, especially as the prevalence of parents having one child is on the rise.

For those thinking about having a second baby, there's a lot to consider - whether childcare costs will be affordable with two, the age gap you're hoping for, and if you actually want to have another child. Some might find their early dreams of having a big family thwarted for a number of personal and financial reasons, but still worry about the stigma attached to having 'just the one.' This is easily compounded by news of hearing the traits experienced by adults who were lonely as children, and the belief an only child will automatically be isolated or unhappy in some way.

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