Volume 4, Number 4
THE SECOND COMMON SIN - OVERPROTECTION: Basically, there are seven common sins parents of only children can commit at some point while raising their children (usually not all at once). In a previous issue of Only Child we wrote about the "Seven Common Sins," and the request for reprints was overwhelming. So we have decided to explore them in depth in consecutive issues of Only Child. We bring them out into the open so that awareness will make parents more vigilant. Every parent of an only child has or will commit at least one of these sins. Parents of only children wonder how to give their kids the independence they need to become strong, capable adults yet still shelter them appropriately. How do we distinguish between protection and overprotection? It's all too easy to want to make everything "right" for our one child and sometimes quite difficult to stand back while they make it "right" for themselves, with our guidance. Our article on overprotective helps parents identify and sort out the differences between constructive and destructive worry. INTERVIEW WITH IRA WOHL: Ira Wohl is a family therapist who also won an Oscar in 1979 for his film "Best Boy," a documentary about his 52-year-old retarded cousin Philly. Twenty years later he made "Best Man," an engaging look at Philly's life at 70. Ira's only-child independence has been the catalyst for a creative life that centers around understanding human behavior. ONLY CHILD PROFILE - TELLER OF PENN AND TELLER: According to The Los Angeles Times, Teller is the "silent half of those outrageous bad boys of magic, Penn & Teller." He is also the loving only child of Joe and Irene Teller. Teller adores his parents who have always supported and encouraged his artistry. In fact, he had such a wonderful childhood that he has written a book about his family entitled "When I am Dead All This Will Be Yours." ONLY CHILD TRAVEL: Our ski report guides you to ski resorts in the North, East, and West that offer the best programs for families, particularly those with only children. Your only child will find friends at these great vacation spots that offer classes and programs for kids of all ages. It's like going to snow camp. We'll meet you on the slopes! DEAR ONLY CHILD Only Child offers advice and answers your questions. |