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| Piano lessons, Violin lessons, Mandarin lessons... |
Mr Grose is an expert on Parenting etc, and he is Australia's number one parenting educator. Now, I am never too fussed by what experts say - but I am always pleasantly assured when things that I think,observe or feel are echoed by experts. And I have thought for some time about the undivided attention Only Children get from their parents.
Grose says, "If self-esteem and school achievement levels are used as a barometer of a healthy, well-adjusted and desirable childhood then most parents would stop at one." Interesting and worthy of attention - though I wont go quoting Grose at my next 'Parents of the School' monthly meeting...
When you only have one child, you do have more time and money to devote to their academic career. As a parent, you pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses, and have the time and resources to prop up their weak areas, and emphasize their strengths. Even the family environment can be controlled in a way to suit what is best for the Only Child in the household. There are no other siblings 'contaminating' the optimal house conditions for academic success.
Gosh, 'contaminating' is probably not the right word! But you get what I mean right?
And it's not that parents of two, three, or four children don't actively engage and work hard on their children's academic success - it's just that their time, money and attention is divided two, three, or four ways. Quite often, a multi-child parent will devote more targeted time to their children who show academic strength, and focus on another hobby or leisure activity for those children who aren't particularly academically inclined. And this is an effective economical thing to do. My parents did it also.
It's just that when you have one child - every resource and cent can be targeted at the Only Child to be successful in school and extra-curricular activities. And there is also a contributing factor to this academic performance that Grose alludes too; It is the 'no sharing' aspect of being an Only Child.
The Only Child knows that they are the only child in the household, and know that they have 'won'- no sibling competition here thank you very much...Indeed, there is an 'it's all about me' air that I think is very beneficial to academic success - or success in any area really.
In fact, more and more, I am not so concerned that perhaps having an Only Child will mean a child who has issues with sharing or empathizing (apparently). What I have found is that other children admire an Only Child's forthright leadership attitude - Only Children are not afraid to step out on their own and be brave; And this often attracts friends/fans for the Only Child.
I guess when it comes to academic success, there is really nothing or no one that can stop an Only Child from achieving. And if there was? I am sure Mummy and Daddy would stamp it out at the earliest. Hey, they've got the time.
Michaeld Grose's website
Grose says, "If self-esteem and school achievement levels are used as a barometer of a healthy, well-adjusted and desirable childhood then most parents would stop at one." Interesting and worthy of attention - though I wont go quoting Grose at my next 'Parents of the School' monthly meeting...
When you only have one child, you do have more time and money to devote to their academic career. As a parent, you pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses, and have the time and resources to prop up their weak areas, and emphasize their strengths. Even the family environment can be controlled in a way to suit what is best for the Only Child in the household. There are no other siblings 'contaminating' the optimal house conditions for academic success.
Gosh, 'contaminating' is probably not the right word! But you get what I mean right?
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| Only Children are not afraid to stand out! |
It's just that when you have one child - every resource and cent can be targeted at the Only Child to be successful in school and extra-curricular activities. And there is also a contributing factor to this academic performance that Grose alludes too; It is the 'no sharing' aspect of being an Only Child.
The Only Child knows that they are the only child in the household, and know that they have 'won'- no sibling competition here thank you very much...Indeed, there is an 'it's all about me' air that I think is very beneficial to academic success - or success in any area really.
In fact, more and more, I am not so concerned that perhaps having an Only Child will mean a child who has issues with sharing or empathizing (apparently). What I have found is that other children admire an Only Child's forthright leadership attitude - Only Children are not afraid to step out on their own and be brave; And this often attracts friends/fans for the Only Child.
I guess when it comes to academic success, there is really nothing or no one that can stop an Only Child from achieving. And if there was? I am sure Mummy and Daddy would stamp it out at the earliest. Hey, they've got the time.
Michaeld Grose's website
The research I have seen suggests only children do achieve more academically e.g. Falbo and Poston. Still debating whether to have another child or not though.
ReplyDeleteI am the same Faye. I love children. If I were to have another child it would be wonderful - but I'm just as content with one. I will have a look at Falbo and Poston while enjoying a good coffee!
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