Who first told you only children were lonely and bossy? When was that? Not to worry if you don't remember. "As the source is forgotten, the message and its implications gain strength."

Brain research explains stereotypes...

If Dads helped more, would Moms have more babies?  

The enormous time and energy investment of mothers compared to that of fathers probably greatly influences the number of children they bear. The division of labor ratio between husbands and wives continues to run about 2:1, a ratio that is no different from 90 years ago when women stayed home.

When parents need support which siblings respond? In most families an inequity exists when it comes to adult offspring caring for their parents. One sibling doing a disproportionate amount of care often breeds heavy doses of friction and resentment.

"Wait," my brother shouts to my mother in his most determined voice, "George is way behind." She stops to let George catch up. On other occasions, my brother insists George be pushed on a swing or a cookie be saved for George. George, my older brother's imaginary pal, trailed him everywhere for a significant period of time. Months? Years? No one in the family can recall George's precise lifespan.

When you have one child, your in-laws, parents, friends, and perfect strangers are only too happy to tell you that your only child needs a brother or sister. Does he?

The number of siblings we grow up with influences how we think about the number of children we want.

Is having one child better than having two or four? It's a question that couples ponder as they begin to grow a family. Many have strong opinions based on their own experiences; others make child-bearing choices based on age-old stereotypes.