The second generation under China’s one-child policy

The second generation of China’s one-child policy, or du er dai (独二代), refers to the only children of couples who belong to the first generation of the one-child policy, or du yi dai (独一代).

Living under the care of six adults – two parents and four grandparents – the du er dai are even more pampered and spoiled than their parents, who used to be “the little emperor” in their families. Without cousins and siblings, the only kid in the family is lonely and egocentric. According to a China News report, because their parents want more time alone, the du er dai often live with their grandparents. Over-indulged by their elders, the children know nothing about sharing and are bad-tempered when their parents try to reason with them. Some parents say their children are smart but their emotional quotients are rather low.

China introduced the one-child policy in 1978. People born in the 1980s are the first generation of the birth control policy. Now, a number of people from that generation have become parents, so it is a never-before-seen phenomenon to have the two single-child generations living under one roof.