Notes on Raising an Only Child

1) Teach the joy of serving others. The world does not revolve around the only child.

2) Teach them not to expect to always get their way.

3) Define acceptable behavior and be strict about it: interrupting, using manners, picking up after themselves,

4) Don't do for the child what he can do for himself. "The expectation that things will be done for you can carry over into adulthood and marriage."

5) Don't always be available for his entertainment. He needs to learn to entertain himself.

6) Don't give him everything he wants. Make him work and save for a special purchase.

7) Do not weaken once you have taken a stand: one more story, 5 more minutes, etc.