Susan Newman's Blog

Guidance that fosters gratitude and joy and works beautifully for children with siblings too.

Parents of only children often face unique challenges during the holidays, especially when it comes to a child’s sense of entitlement. The following suggestions are drawn from one-child parents’ experiences and strategies, offering practical ways to enjoy celebrations at the same time you build holiday traditions.

With just one child, it can be tempting to indulge most requests—be it the latest trendy ...

A revolution is taking place, not in the streets or through political upheaval, but in the private lives of families across the world. The only child is rapidly becoming the dominant family unit, reshaping what was once considered traditional.

The Quiet Family Size Shift Seen Around the World

In Canada and the UK, 45% of families have just one child. In the U.S. city of Seattle, the figure reaches 47%. Globally, the one-child family is now the most common size in developed countries like India, ...

As parents, it’s natural that we want our children to be successful. We want them to do well in the world and not struggle. But this can become a burden on children when parents overemphasize achievement in academics, sports or the arts.

Without meaning to put pressure on children, we can get caught up in what other parents and children are doing and easily slip into the achievement trap. The pressure can become too great for any child and is especially hard on only children who have no siblings...

Having babies “later” is increasingly common, signaling a trend that is more than likely to continue with clear, measurable benefits for children…and their parents. Read more

The post 6 Benefits for Children of “Older Mothers” appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

Parents often make excuses for their children’s outrageous behavior, whether it’s a preschooler’s tantrum or a teenager’s sullen refusal to do what has been asked. Here’s what to do when your child attempts to “call the shots.” Read more

The post The 3 Types of Parents Who Get Bullied by Their Own Children appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

What kind and how much contact between grown children and their parents is emotionally rewarding? Read more

The post The Best Way for Adult Children and Parents to Communicate appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

People are having fewer children, and increasingly more only children. Nonetheless, those contemplating the one-child family ask themselves: Will my child be lonely, spoiled, bossy? No Sibling: Am I cheating my only child? These are legitimate concerns, but as research and adults who grew up as only children tell us, parents need not worry so much. Read more

The post Growing Up Without Siblings: Adult Only Children Speak Out appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

… and expert advice to help turn the tide. Read more

The post 9 Signs Your Child Has Entitlement Issues appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

Surprising benefits grandparents and other elders offer the youngest generation.

Zelda and great-great grandchildSource:
Courtesy of the Fields family

Parents put a lot of thought and effort into trying to be role models for their children. We’re not perfect, of course, but we want to set an example.

We teach children manners—like to say thank you and be compassionate. But how much thought do we give to what grandparents can add to a child’s development? These interactions can inform a child’s vi...

The everyday reality of free will.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

In his new book, The Science of Free Will , Roy Baumeister, professor of psychology at The University of Queensland, discusses three studies that asked college students and adults what they think it means to have free will . The themes that emerged were essentially, “making a choice and not being constrained or coerced,” and surprising to me, “thinking about the future, as in planning.” That is, “pondering future events rele...