National Only Child Day: Cherish Being Special But Not Lonely!

Prasenjit Das
Mar 21, 2023 By Prasenjit Das
Originally Published on Mar 21, 2023
Fact-checked by Dolly Chhatwani
It is an event that celebrates all those who do not have a sibling.

Where is National Only Child Day celebrated?

National Only Child Day is an annual American event and is celebrated throughout the country.

Who is National Only Child Day celebrated by?

National Only Child Day is dedicated to only children. All those who do not have siblings celebrate this national event.

When did National Only Child Day first start?

National Only Child Day started in 2015.

Who started National Only Child Day?

The creator of National Only Child Day remains unidentified to this day.

History And Timeline

Even though National Only Child Day is a comparatively new event, the single-child concept belongs to the previous century. Here, we will see some historical events that led to the formation of this annual event.

Effects of the War

After the Korean War ended in 1953, the government of South Korea suggested that having one child would help its citizens lead a better life financially.

1953

Research Causes Surprise

In 1987, Toni Falbo and Denise F. Polit conducted large-scale research regarding the condition of only children. The study showed that compared to children with siblings, only children did not face any disadvantages.

1987

The Number Doubles

In 2014, Pew Research stated that since 1970, the number of only-child families had doubled in the United States. The report also showed that 22% of women aging from 40-45 had only had one child.

2014

Founding of the Day

National Only Child Day began in 2015. However, the creator of this national event is yet to be discovered.

2015

A Poem on Only Children

In 2016, Billy Collins, an American poet, published his 'The Rain In Portugal: Poems'. This collection contained a poem named 'Only Child'. In this poem, the poet celebrates his status as a single child.

2016

Traditions And Customs

Before the 20th century, parents rarely had one child. There were also significant reasons for that. In the olden days, the infant mortality rate was quite high.

As a result, every family had multiple children. However, this tradition changed drastically in the last century. The World Wars, higher standards of living, and rise in living costs led parents to shrink their families to only a single kid.

In 2014, the reports of Pew Research showed that over the last 44 years, the number of single-child families doubled in the United States. The research also demonstrated that 20% of American women belonging to the 40-44 age group had given birth to one child only.

The number of only children kept increasing day by day. As a result, National Only Child Day began in 2015.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Only Child Day

 If you are an only child, the best way to celebrate this day is to appreciate yourself and your qualities. Remind yourself how lucky you are that you have always received the undivided attention and love of your parents. Reminisce about all those delightful moments that you have spent with your family.

If you are not an only child, then try to do something good for some who is. If you are a parent, then do your best to eliminate the negative stereotype linked to the only-child concept. Show the world that only children are not unfriendly, selfish, or socially backward.

Finally, post something nice about National Only Child Day on social media. Inform others about this event and encourage them to celebrate it.

Facts And Stats

  • Every year, people celebrate National Only Child Day on April 12.
  • This date of National Only Child Day is significant because it comes right after National Siblings Day (April 10), an event that may make only children feel left out.
  • This year (April 12, 2023), National Only Child Day falls on a Wednesday.

Is an only child a lonely child?

No, only children are not lonely. They can make as many friends as those with siblings do.

 

What percentage of the population is an only child?

In the United States, 20% of families with children have only a single child.

 

What do you call someone who is an only child?

A child who does not have a sibling is generally called a single child. 

 

Is it rare to be an only child?

Absolutely not. At present, almost 20% of American families with children have only one child.

 

What are the disadvantages of being an only child?

According to the research of Toni Falbo and Denise F. Polit, only children do not have any disadvantages compared to those with siblings. However, many sources claim that only children can develop the little emperor syndrome. Also, they may lack self-confidence.

 

What are the benefits of being an only child?

One of the greatest advantages of being an only child is that you get undivided attention and love from your parents. It also comes with more toys and chocolates.

 

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Tuesday, April 12, 2022
  • Friday, April 12, 2024
  • Saturday, April 12, 2025
  • Wednesday, April 12, 2023

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Sources

https://www.onlyyoupodcast.com/post/celebrating-national-only-child-day-as-a-one-and-done-parent

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/family-dynamics/only-child-family

https://whatnationaldayisit.com/day/Only-Child/

https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/Article/only-children-lonely-or-lucky#:~:text=MYTH: Only children are lonelytheir peers with siblings do.

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-only-child-day-april-12/

https://wehavekids.com/family-relationships/Advantages-and-disadvantages-of-being-an-only-child_

https://www.checkiday.com/5d0d180fbaf5ba7c390fa6270f39633a/national-only-child-day

https://nationaltoday.com/national-only-child-day/

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Written by Prasenjit Das

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Prasenjit Das picture

Prasenjit DasBachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Having obtained a Bachelor's degree in English language and literature from West Bengal State University - Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath College, followed by a Master's degree in English language and literature from Calcutta University, Prasenjit has several years of experience as a content writer, Prasenjit has mastered the art of producing cohesive and coherent copy. To further refine his skills and continuously challenge his creativity, Prasenjit successfully completed the "Introduction to Creative Writing Course" offered by British Council. Outside of his professional pursuits, Prasenjit finds inspiration in engaging in various creative activities, including writing poetry.

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Fact-checked by Dolly Chhatwani

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Literature

Dolly Chhatwani picture

Dolly ChhatwaniBachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Literature

A skilled professional-client manager, Dolly brings a wealth of experience to any team. Holding a Master's in English Literature, she has worked in various customer relations and operations management roles throughout her career. With a degree in both English and Psychology, she is passionate about promoting mental health. Dolly is an avid reader, particularly of classic literature, and enjoys writing book reviews. Additionally, she maintains a food blog and is active on social media.

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