This paper explores the popular stereotypes and research relating to the single child family. Advantages small families experience include more money available for each child, more attention from parents, healthier children, higher intelligence among the children, and less family tension. Concern over only children centers on their being spoiled and having to deal with greater parental stress. Little evidence supports the notion that only children are spoiled. They do, however, exhibit slightly higher self-esteem which may contribute to the stereotype. Studies on mental health and family size indicate that adults reared in one and two child families are disproportionately represented among schizophrenics, neurotics, and alcoholics, though not among people with antisocial disturbances. Research has also found that only children were overrepresented among obese patients. These results, however, are not conclusive. Surveys of only children have reported that 60% saw their lack of siblings as a disadvantage. These paradoxes -- the prevalent view of the only child as spoiled despite contrary evidence, and the reported dissatisfaction of adults who were only children despite the numerous advantages -- are discussed. (SB)