Is My Only Child Missing Out at School?

School Life and Development of Only Children

1. What the Study Looked At

This research studied a very large number of school children. The researchers compared only children with children who have siblings.

They looked at everyday school-related areas such as:

• How children perform at school, especially in subjects like math

• How children feel about school

• Physical activity and fitness

• Children’s expectations and confidence about learning and the future

The goal was simple: to see if being an only child really makes a difference in school life.

2. What They Found

The results were calmer and more balanced than many people expect.

Overall, only children were not worse off at school. In fact:

• Many only children did just as well academically as children with siblings

• In some cases, only children scored higher in school subjects

• Some only children felt more positive about school, especially in supportive environments

There were small differences in areas like physical activity, where children with siblings sometimes moved more. But these differences were not large enough to say one group is better than the other.

The biggest message from the study: being an only child is not a disadvantage at school.

3. What This Means for Everyday Life

Children learn social skills in many places — classrooms, playgrounds, group work, and friendships. Siblings are only one possible source of learning.

An only child may spend more time with adults at home. This can support language, focus, and confidence. School then becomes the place where they practice sharing, teamwork, and friendships.

What matters most is not how many children live in the home, but:

• Whether the child feels supported

• Whether they have chances to connect with others

• Whether daily life feels calm and safe

Good food, enough sleep, time outside, and warm human connection shape a child far more than family size.

4. Why This Matters for Parents

This research helps parents release unnecessary worry. If your child is an only child, they are not missing something essential just because they don’t have siblings.

Children grow best when parents focus on the basics:

• A stable routine

• Emotional support

• Time together without pressure

• Moments of rest and nature

Nothing can replace a good diet, quality sleep, time in nature, and meaningful human connection. These are the foundations that help children feel confident at school and in life — whether they have siblings or not.

Reference
Jia, C., et al. (2022). Differences in school performance and development between only children and non-only children. Journal of Family Studies, Volume(Issue), Page.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8792755/