"You never know what someone else is going through. People are often quick to judge and assume. They think they have all the answers, that their way is the only way. But unless you've walked in someone else's shoes, you don't know. Maybe that's what the world needs-less judgment and more understanding."
"I want women to read my story (and others in this book) and feel understood. I want them to realize that it's nobody's business how many kids you have-or don't have. There is so much unnecessary judgment And what makes it worse is that most of these comments come from other women. We should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down."
The One and Only explores the deeply personal and often complex decision-or circumstance-of having just one child. Through personal interviews, the book delves into the reasons behind this choice, whether it stems from infertility, health risks, financial factors, or a conscious decision to maintain balance in life. The stories shed light on the emotional, cultural, and societal challenges faced by parents of only children, including the pressures of reproductive expectations and the stigmas attached to having just one. Covering topics from assisted reproductive technologies and adoption to the global variations in family planning policies, the book provides a broad yet intimate perspective on what it means to raise an only child in today's world.
Written for parents who have chosen-or been led by fate-to have one child, The One and Only's heartfelt and eye-opening collection of narratives affirm the strength, love, and resilience of one-child parents. The author, herself a mother of one, shares her personal journey alongside 41 others, including LGBTQ+ couples, who have navigated the joys and challenges of raising an only child. Their stories reveal that family is not defined by numbers but by love.
Whether you're a parent of one, considering this path, or simply seeking support around your decision, this book offers inspiration, validation, and a reminder that every family's journey is uniquely their own.
