The task of raising an only child is one beset with a unique set of circumstances and challenges. Parents are often able to devote more attention to their only child, and this may lead her to be more dependent on her caregiver. As much as they are used to this individual attention, only children also have less opportunities to interact with peers in their home environment (especially for those devoid of similarly aged children). It is also tempting for parents to give in to every whim and fancy of their only child.

Raising children is certainly not an easy task but realize that all children are resilient. They will make do with what they are given. This allows every parent to make some mistakes. You only need to be sensitive to the underlying needs of your child and this will lead you to do what is necessary.

Although all children need to develop these four areas, parents of only children should pay special attention to the factors listed in the slide show below.

For more in raising emotionally healthy kids, check these out:

• Overweight Kids Today May Have Difficulty Fitting in Years Later
• New Study: Give Your Kids a Healthy Childhood for Career Success Later in Life
• 10 Ways to Help Your Teen Love Herself
• Raising Winners: 5 Tips to Help You Hone Your Children's Potential
• 7 Reasons to Encourage Your Kids to Take up Extracurricular Activities
• Game On: 5 Tips on Raising a Child Who Grows up to Be a Winner
• The Filipino Child and His Sense of Importance + 5 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Self-Worth

(First published as "One and Only" as the entry for the Keep It Real column in the April 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping Philippines; adapted for use in Female Network.)