Many couples who already have one healthy, happy child, are facing a dilemma(困境), that is, the issue of whether to have a second child or not. They have hard jobs and limited time and money, but they want to make sure that their only child does not become a lonely child. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of having a second child? That is what so many couples are very much concerned about and eager to understand.

One popular saying is that one child means a lonely child. That's why many single- child parents plan to have a second child. They feel guilty about their decision to have only one child, because there are no other children in the family for their only child to play with, which may make the child feel lonely at times, especially during vacations.

Another common argument against having just one child is that an only child may be more spoiled than one with brothers or sisters. If one couple have only one child, the child can't learn to share things with others and is less capable of getting along well with other children than one who grows up with brothers or sisters.

However, in many parts of the world, more and more parents are still choosing not to have a second child because they argue that there are advantages for the child as well as the parents. With just one child, they suggest, there is little chance of family arguments concerned with children. Besides, as an only child in the family, the child can receive more quality time and attention. This often leads to increased self-respect and independence, which can lead to the child being more confident.

Unluckily, there is no simple answer to the question of whether or not to have a second child. Every family is different, and what is suitable for one family may not be for another. The important thing, in the end, is to make a decision that both you and your spouse(配偶)feel confident about.