National Only Child Day – April 12

There was a time when having just one child was nearly unheard of. In fact, for most of human history, large families were the norm — not the exception. Back then, having more than one child wasn’t just about legacy or tradition; it was a practical decision. With high infant mortality rates, parents often had multiple children simply to ensure that at least some would survive into adulthood.

So if you comb through historical records, you’ll rarely find many examples of only-child families. The idea of raising a single child wasn’t common or even ideal. Big families were considered a necessity — and a sign of stability and strength.

But somewhere around the 10th century, a quiet shift began to unfold. Across many societies, average family sizes began to shrink. What caused this gradual decline in the number of children per family? That question doesn’t have a single, clear answer. Instead, it’s likely a result of several overlapping changes in the world.

Fast-forward to more modern centuries, and we see this shift become more pronounced. The impact of the World Wars, rising costs of living, urbanization, and advances in healthcare played major roles. As child survival rates improved and financial pressures increased, parents began opting for smaller families, often choosing to have just one child.

The economic burden of raising a child has only grown since then — from healthcare and education to housing and extracurriculars. At the same time, cultural norms shifted. More people began delaying marriage and parenthood. As a result, the one-child household became more than just common — it became a modern lifestyle choice.