Parent-child relationship in single-child families in China

Associated with family planning trend toward the one-child family, most families in China have one child, particularly in urban setting. This study is based on the clinical observation of children brought to a child mental health center for guidance. This study shows that these parents tend to focus excessively on their one child. The reasons for this behavior are analyzed, the potential consequences of such parent-child relationships is elaborated, and the need for mental health awareness about healthy child-rearing patterns is suggested.