Science Confirms the Challenges of Solo Caregiving for Only Children

Caring for aging parents is a profound and often demanding experience that requires emotional resilience and physical effort. This responsibility can become particularly overwhelming for adults who grew up as only children, as they typically lack siblings to share the caregiving burden. Without siblings to distribute the responsibilities, costs, and emotional stress, these individuals often find themselves facing the complex realities of caregiving alone.

The trend of families having only one child is increasing in the United States, with the proportion rising from about 10% to 20% over recent decades. Consequently, more aging parents are relying solely on one adult child for support, intensifying the solitary experience of caregiving.

Research from the University of Missouri sheds light on the specific challenges faced by these individuals. In a study titled "Stressors and Resources among Adult Child Caregivers in the Presence or Absence of Siblings," published in The Gerontologist, scientists analyzed data from 1,773 adult caregivers, of whom 12% were only children. The findings reveal that caregiving stress manifests differently depending on sibling presence; sole caregivers are more prone to emotional and financial strain. Interestingly, while support from friends and extended family can bolster mental health for caregivers with siblings, such support does not seem to alleviate the stress for only children.

According to lead author Hana Skoblow, families with more children benefit from shared responsibilities, but only children often lack this built-in support system. They tend to have especially close bonds with their parents, which can become strained as their role shifts toward caregiver. The emotional safety net provided by siblings is absent, making the experience more isolating for only children. Skoblow notes that emotional support from friends and extended family, while helpful, may not fully compensate for the absence of familial siblings.

The reasons behind these disparities may include the close emotional ties only children often have with their parents, causing a reliance on these relationships for support that diminishes when caregiving begins. Additionally, many only children find it difficult to share their challenges, especially when their parent is the one requiring care, leading to feelings of loneliness and overwhelm.

Experts emphasize the importance of early conversations about caregiving expectations between parents and children. Open discussions about needs, limitations, and responsibilities can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce stress when caregiving becomes necessary. Establishing clear communication can also strengthen family relationships.

Looking ahead, researchers aim to explore the perspectives of parents caring for only children to better understand their feelings about dependence and burden. Understanding both sides of the caregiving dynamic will provide comprehensive insights into familial responses and emotional health associated with family structure.

In conclusion, as family dynamics evolve, recognizing the unique challenges faced by adult only children is crucial. Support systems, proactive communication, and emotional understanding are vital components in managing the complexities of solo caregiving.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-science-child-caregiving-tough.html