Having Multiple Kids is Becoming an Outdated Idea

I really think that in the near-future, having multiple children is going to feel like a relic of the past. In my experience, it’s mostly older generations who seem baffled by the idea of stopping at one, but millennials and Gen Z parents see things differently. We’re shaping a new approach to family—one that allows us to be deeply present for our child while also keeping space for our other passions, relationships, and experiences.

For a lot of us, having one child feels like the best way to create a fulfilling, balanced life. We want to raise them with intention, explore the world, stay engaged with our interests, and build strong communities beyond just the nuclear family. I think the old idea that siblings are essential for companionship has kept people in a really insular way of living, where family is expected to meet all social needs. But we’re realizing that friendships, extended family, and community connections are just as—if not more—important in raising happy, well-adjusted kids.

And honestly, the stigma around only children is fading fast. More and more families are choosing to have just one, and these kids are growing up surrounded by peers in the same boat. They’re independent, social, and thriving.

What do you think? Do you feel like the OAD mindset is becoming more normal?