Dr David Coleman: Having an only child — how to support them and debunking the stereotypes

Spoiled, entitled, lonely. The stereotypes of only children largely originated from the opinions of G Stanley Hall, an American psychologist who, in the 1980s, even said being an only child is “a disease in and of itself”. He felt that only children were jealous, selfish, egotistical, dependent and domineering.

Many first-time parents get comments about the need for siblings, but what does the research say? Dr David Coleman shares his insights and top tips for raising one child Parentings of only children may need to be aware of overprotecting their child. Photo: Getty Spoiled, entitled, lonely. The stereotypes of only children largely originated from the opinions of G Stanley Hall, an American psychologist who, in the 1980s, even said being an only child is “a disease in and of itself”.

He felt that only children were jealous, selfish, egotistical, dependent and domineering. However, his opinions were based mainly on observations of only children he saw in his clinic (naturally, there was a reason they were attending a psychologist in the first place) and anecdotal research he oversaw in A Study of Peculiar and Exceptional Children . Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.