The choice of having a unique child or more than one child is mainly governed by financial and hectic lifestyle today more than social and religious demands.

All religions in the world value large nucleus families, as it is said that part of the human worldly duty is to procreate, and based on these beliefs the social response from conservative kin can be a stressful factor to many new parents.

However, the reality of the world today is reflected by the time and money factor.

As compared to the generation where the mother was a full time housewife and the husband working on a fixed scheduled, our generation generates more time and effort outside the 'home sweet home' concept.

The choice of having a unique child is more forced onto us as having many children was somehow indirectly, culturally and morally imposed onto our parents.

But somehow I feel that for my wife and me it was a rightful imposed choice.

We have a hectic lifestyle, and financially it is very difficult to keep up with all the economic challenges.

Hence when our baby was born, we took the decision in unison that she would be our only child.

My wife had her own fears as she had a difficult pregnancy, but we also thought of quality time and my child's demands as she grows.

I would much prefer spending most of my free time focusing on her, than having to focus on two or more children, as I would not have been able to give myself fully.

And I do not think that a child will feel lonely at home as the world is not what is used to be, there are more facilities today than there was ten or twenty years back.

It is important not to forget , however, that your presence as a parent is going to be a major factor in the upbringing of this child.

My wife always says that I am like a first child for her, because as much as I can represent authority at work and at home, I never skinned out the child in me.

So, everyday I spend at least 30 minutes to one hour playing with my child, not stopping myself to stoop to her level of play and interaction.

I have always valued qualities like honesty, sharing and respect. And those values stand firm on the style of life I inspire.

It goes without saying that I will pass those down to my child like a personality heritage, but as a psychologist I also know that every human being is made of their own inborn values - environment contributes half to three quarter of the mold.

Learn more about this author, Veeryavan Ramkhelawon.
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