Rating: 
Summary: Intelligent and Practical
Review: "Parenting the Only Child," presents a highly intelligent and practical approach for parents. It is chockful of valuable suggestions for bringing up the only child. Dr. Newman is a knowledgable and straight-forward presenter. Her research and advice are state of the art. I have recommended it to my clients and my friends, who have all found it very useful.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a parenting book for parents of only children
Review: After taking parenting classes, listening to audio tapes and reading any book on parenting I finally found a book, and author, that really answered all of my questions. Parenting an Only Child by Dr. Susan Newman has been the first book I've highlighted sections of since college and my co-worders love to borrow. Here is just a little of a teaser: If you are even thinking about having only one child, and haven't made your decision yet, you MUST read this book. It will remove any guilt and pressure. Attempting to shield your only child is perhaps the easiest trap into which you can fall. As soon as you start interfering, tears will flow and dependence will begin to blossom. Don't focus on oneness. (This was Dr Newman's answer to my e-mail query, "Should I start an only child play group?") Involve your child as much as possible in activities that do not center on him, such as team sports, summer trips or camp programs. Playdates, playdates, playdates! The more your child shares his toys, his meals, and even his bedtime rituals at sleepovers the more she will learn how to get along with others. Onlies have to search these out daily as they don't have the built-in play available with a sibling. In effect, create sibling relationships so he gets noncontrolling behavior modeling from other sources. Advance reminders help an only child to your going out without him. Rebellion against your going out is one of the most obvious indications that your child is seeking control. So that about sums up my favorite parts but not the entire value of the book. So either try and get your hands on my highlighted well worn copy if you dare or spend the $13 for your own. I guarantee it's cheaper than counseling! And one last thing, thank you Dr. Newman for the best parenting book I've ever read!
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a parenting book for parents of only children
Review: After taking parenting classes, listening to audio tapes and reading any book on parenting I finally found a book, and author, that really answered all of my questions. Parenting an Only Child by Dr. Susan Newman has been the first book I've highlighted sections of since college and my co-worders love to borrow. Here is just a little of a teaser: If you are even thinking about having only one child, and haven't made your decision yet, you MUST read this book. It will remove any guilt and pressure. Attempting to shield your only child is perhaps the easiest trap into which you can fall. As soon as you start interfering, tears will flow and dependence will begin to blossom. Don't focus on oneness. (This was Dr Newman's answer to my e-mail query, "Should I start an only child play group?") Involve your child as much as possible in activities that do not center on him, such as team sports, summer trips or camp programs. Playdates, playdates, playdates! The more your child shares his toys, his meals, and even his bedtime rituals at sleepovers the more she will learn how to get along with others. Onlies have to search these out daily as they don't have the built-in play available with a sibling. In effect, create sibling relationships so he gets noncontrolling behavior modeling from other sources. Advance reminders help an only child to your going out without him. Rebellion against your going out is one of the most obvious indications that your child is seeking control. So that about sums up my favorite parts but not the entire value of the book. So either try and get your hands on my highlighted well worn copy if you dare or spend the $13 for your own. I guarantee it's cheaper than counseling! And one last thing, thank you Dr. Newman for the best parenting book I've ever read!
Rating:
Summary: THE reference for parents who need reassurance
Review: and, as parents of an only, we all do need it! You will find useful tips like what to answer to people who are nosy about your choice. You will find new reasons that having only one is a GOOD thing, and you will see that you are not the only one to think that having an only is great! Also, Susan Newman debunks all the myths about the spoilt only child.
Rating:
Summary: Parenting An Only Child
Review: Answered all my questoins and concernsI struggled with whether or not to give my child a sibling and this bookdiscussed all my and my husband's issues and Helped us decide to stickwith one. Her parenting ideas really work. One of the best sections ofthe book challenges every myth you've ever heard about only children.Read this and you won't need any other advice.
Rating:
Summary: Great Resource!!
Review: As the parent of an only child, I was glad to finally see a parenting book address some of my specific concerns. Also, Dr. Newman includes a lot of great information that I'd never thought of asking. From information on how to avoid spoiling or over-indulging your child, to reassurance that only children are happy, healthy, and "normal," I can't recommend this book enough. Unlike a lot of other parenting books, this is an easy read - even my husband read most of the book, a big clue that the book keeps your interest and is well-written.
Rating:
Summary: Timely and Truthful
Review: Dr. Newman's book presents an honest appraisal of the only child family. As the wife of an only child and mother of an only son, my life experience resonates with the author's research and conclusions. I agree with Dr. Newman that only children are no different than other well-nurtured offspring. The key to raising healthy and happy children is to give them plenty of time, attention and love. As the author points out with concrete facts, raising an only child can be a deeply satisfying experience. Dr. Newman's book is both timely and thought-provoking. It will increase the level of debate about family size and open up dialogue between partners contemplating this critical decision. This is good news for the families of the 21st Century. We are fortunate to have a guide as thoughtful as Dr. Newman.
Rating:
Summary: newman's "only child" book is a winner
Review: great advice for parenting an only. Newman's tips are straight-forward and practical, no psychobabble. She gets to the heart of the matter and walks you through the tough spots. I've read other only child books and Newman's is by far the best, most direct and useful!
Rating: 
Summary: Only somewhat helpful
Review: I expected this book to be about PARENTING an only child per its title and was disappointed. Susan Newman did touch on some important issues such as teaching sharing and respectfulness and avoiding loneliness, although there wasn't a lot of meat to the chapters on these subjects. She also discussed being careful not to have excessive expectations of an only child, which I found interesting. However, a great deal of this book was devoted to justifying the decision to have an only child. If you're struggling with your family planning choices and would like someone to tell you repeatedly you're doing the right thing, you may enjoy this book. At this point, I don't need justification, I need information on addressing relevant issues so that I can be the best possible parent to my child. I also do not need reasons why my decision to have an only child is "superior" to the paths other families choose and was a little disturbed by the author's tone. Bottom line: this book effectively identifies some concerns of parents of only children, but I will be looking elsewhere for more substantial parenting support.
Rating:
Summary: Clear and compelling.
Review: I find that many parents with only children carry with them a little bit of insecurity ... as if we owe an explanation to friends, relatives, even to ourselves about why we have only one child, not more. In Parenting an Only Child, Susan Newman, Ph.D., has given those of us with onlies some very useful language for framing our decisions. She also anticipates, very acurately, the myths that surround small families like mine. This is a practical book with very helpful information. I even think parents of "many" could benefit from Dr. Newman's advice on developing healthy kids .... with or without siblings.
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