Average child in the U.S. costs his or her parents about $286,050

Since I have five children, it's easy to reflect on this issue and to dispute the costs increase to the point where multiples cost that much per child, but it's still a lot. It's also making some parents decide that perhaps they are only going to have one child. This Time article debunks some of the myths that people believe apply to only children. I'm not sure I agree with all of it, while parenting may be a factor in creating spoiled children, I have come across more only children who were spoiled than multiples...

But in that case, is there truth to the stereotype that they're overindulged? In Austin, I seek out psychologist Carl Pickhardt, who tells me, "There's no question that only children are highly indulged and highly protected." But that doesn't mean the stereotype is true, he says. "You've been given more attention and nurturing to develop yourself. But that's not the same thing as being selfish. On balance, that level of parental involvement is a good thing. All that attention is the energy for your self-esteem and achievement." But, he adds, "everything is double-edged. And everything is formative."