China and the One Child Rule

Is China creating a monster with the one child rule? The one child rule went into effect in china in the 1980s to control population growth in China. Having only one child in many cases can lead to a brat. This week, children were playing in a monumental water fountain without repercussions. Also, in a restaurant two girls who were on a play date were sitting on counters wearing dresses and performing cartwheels. No one said or did anything. In the U.S., this would be quite embarrassing for many parents and would be subject to some type of discipline.

kids in shanghai

One day I asked a classmate from China, not knowing her age, if she had any siblings. I was a little embarrassed when she said no because of the one child rule. She expressed that she wished she had a brother or sister.

Not only could this be the root of unruly kids, it could be traumatic to a family. After the one child rule went into effect, couples had to fill out an application to have a child. Family planning clinics popped up everywhere, which led to unwanted birth control methods and forced abortions.

It’s no wonder why this one child is cherished and spoiled rotten by parents as well as grandparents. Recently, there have been revisions to the one child policy that allow a second child. Apparently, if both sets of grandparents were also an only child, a couple can apply to have a second child.

However, having one child does have the advantage of not only more available income, but also more family time and less crowding in restaurants and subways. There were many families of three generations spending time together in parks, restaurants, and museums. This could actually create a stronger family bond with both sets of grandparents.

By Phylliscia Gibson