There is no reason why an only child should be a problem unless you make him one—for example, by feeling guilty because you do not provide a little brother or sister. From the time the child is about two years old, he should occasionally have some contact with other children, if only to watch them play. As the child grows older, make your house a pleasant place to visit, and permit him to visit other homes. A good nursery school can be very helpful. Make a particular effort to see to it that your child has companionship during the pre-adolescent period.
The adopted child
Even more than your own child, an adopted child needs to know that you love him. Should you tell him he is adopted? By all means. I suggest that you let him know about it indirectly, by mentioning it casually and happily in his presence even before he is old enough to understand. Then, when he asks questions, answer them freely. The only difficulty I sec in answering the questions of an adopted child are with those concerning his real parents. Here I think it can be permitted to stretch the truth a little, if necessary; for example, you can say that you are sure his own parents liked him but, for good reasons that you do not know, felt it would be better for him if they let him be your little boy—which makes you very happy.
Since most handicapped children will grow up to associate with people who are not handicapped, I think it best not to segregate them.
However, they often require different or additional schooling and special treatments, which should, in most cases, be started when they are young. The parents of handicapped children should ask their doctor, hospital, or Department of Education for advice and assistance.
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