May 16 2007
The onlies
“Being an only child is a disease in itself” concluded the American psychologist and educator G Stanley Hall (1844 - 1924) in 1898. Alfred Adler, a disciple of Sigmund Freud, thought only children, overprotected and made fearful by cosseting, are generally “unfitted for life. They are sure to meet with disasters along life’s way. They are like parasites who do nothing, but enjoy life while everyone else cares for their wants…” Oh heaven, no wonder I am such an unfit odd ball in life!