How many kids would you have if money were no object? What would you spend it on?

[Anonymous]

Three. (I have 2)

I loved growing up in a big family, and would love the joy of another little person, but realistically, I think I’d be mentally tapped out at 3 if I wanted to remain at least somewhat invested in my career, and I do want that. I like being able to devote the time I have to hanging with my little people, and can see how with more than 3, my ability to focus on them would drop (and full on chaos, which makes me grumpy, would reign).

I’d like $$ for more regular house keeping, family trips, a hybrid minivan, and the ability to make more environmental and socially responsible food and clothing choices. Also some more expensive activities for the kids, gym membership for me, date next gets, and a few targeted home renovations.

[Anonymous]

We have two. We would have four if our income was higher. No nanny, just lots of things that would buy us time:
- house closer to work
- reliable cars that I don't repair or maintain
- landscaping service
- new appliances that I don't repair
- someone to clean the house several times a week when we aren't here
- laundry done
- Nice food prepped for me to cook or already cooked and ready to serve
- airplane tickets instead of driving for hours
- an accountant and lawyer to deal with stuff

[Anonymous]

Could I use it to hire a surrogate? Really don't want another pregnancy and labor.

[Anonymous]

one

[Anonymous]

Money is no object. I want 3. We have every kind of help you can imagine: au pair, grandparents, cleaners, laundry service, the works.

[Anonymous]

I think that two is the perfect no.# of children.

Maybe three.....but that is a huge maybe.

Kids are just hard work.
And even if you had more $$ than God to outsource many things, you will have kids who remember endless caregivers, cleaners + service people.

But they will never be a tad privy to any tangible sacrifice that their parents ever made in their favor sadly.

[Anonymous]

I have two and a lot of help.

I imagine having three, but if I think about having one more around wanting my attention all the time I'm not sure it would be good for the kids. Two are attention hungry as it is. Maybe this changes as they get older and the need to be the center of the world wanes, in which case perhaps then another. But I have seen three by the collapse of a lot of good marriages/families. I think really being there for your kids, instilling character, creating that relationship that helps them navigate themselves and life is a big investment -- not of money but of time. And even if you have all the time in the world due to not working and having a lot of help, the mental load of another person with all their individual needs and struggles is a lot. Isn't it true that most families with over two treat their kids more as a group than individuals?

[Anonymous]

I would absolutely have four if money was no object - I think four is the perfect number.

[Anonymous]

If money were no object, I would have 6.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that two is the perfect no.# of children.

Maybe three.....but that is a huge maybe.

Kids are just hard work.
And even if you had more $$ than God to outsource many things, you will have kids who remember endless caregivers, cleaners + service people.

But they will never be a tad privy to any tangible sacrifice that their parents ever made in their favor sadly.

Oh, this is just sanctimommy BS. Just because kids have nannies or go to daycare doesn't mean they will be spoiled, sad little rich kids who need therapy because mommy wasn't there 100% of the time.

[Anonymous]

One to experience giving birth. There are many children waiting for a home and I would adopt a sibling group.

[Anonymous]

I have 3 and I think I would stick with 3!
If money was no object I wouldn’t work but I’m not sure I would feel like I could handle more kids

[Anonymous]

I have 2. If money was no object I think 3 would be perfect, though I'd consider a surrogate since I've had two pretty miserable pregnancies. Would want someone to handle meal prep and someone to clean. Also a regular date night sitter who was on retainer/always available. And I would go down to part time at work/do more work from home

[Anonymous]

3 instead of 1. HHHI

[Anonymous]

Maybe 5. We have 2 and are considering a third. We can definitely afford another, but spouse worries about money anyway. So if money would no object, spouse would be open to more kids.