Why do parents decide to have more than 2 children

[Anonymous]

Assuming this is a first marriage (i.e. no children from previous relationships), why would you and your husband decide to have more than just 2 children?
When I was a kid, all my friends had usually just one sibling. Now, I see families with more than 2 kids all the time. Usually 3+. Obviously, having one sibling is better than being a single child. But why more?

I teach my children that it is highly irresponsible to replace two people with more than just two. I also think it is much better for a family life (less activities to go to, more time to spend as a family, less financially demanding, less stressful, etc.)

[Anonymous]

Accidents happen. I have to say despite that she is a real charmer

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Assuming this is a first marriage (i.e. no children from previous relationships), why would you and your husband decide to have more than just 2 children?
When I was a kid, all my friends had usually just one sibling. Now, I see families with more than 2 kids all the time. Usually 3+. Obviously, having one sibling is better than being a single child. But why more?

I teach my children that it is highly irresponsible to replace two people with more than just two. I also think it is much better for a family life (less activities to go to, more time to spend as a family, less financially demanding, less stressful, etc.)

Because they want them. Also, no, to the bolded.

[Anonymous]

Our first two babies were so AWESOME we had to have two more!

Our "family life" is just great, too!

Go parents of >2!

[Anonymous]

I hit my mid-twenties, and had my two kids and thought we were in a good groove, and my biological clock started playing a huge thumping noise in my body. After it didn't go away a year later, we went for it. After the third was born, it quieted for a few months, and then came back just as loud. So we had a fourth.

[Anonymous]

Three reasons, and you won't like any of them, but I suspect you are just looking to debate.

1) I had two close friends both have their only sibling die in high school. They are now an only child, and have had very hard time dealing with their parents grief and expectations.

2) Both my husband and I grew up in very large families, and enjoyed every second. When we had two, it seemed like a small family, and we wanted another.

3) I wanted a girl. I really don't care if that's PC to say, it's the truth. While I would have loved and been grateful for my child no matter the sex, I still wanted and longed for a daughter.

My life isn't stressful or demanding with three. I enjoy it tremendously.

[Anonymous]

Status

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Status

This is a new thing, centered around major metropolitan cities.

[Anonymous]

While I do agree with you OP, there can be specific circumstances that may occur later on.

Perhaps a person re-marries, then decides to have a child with their new spouse.

Or like anything else in life, birth control fail.

I think two children is a handful. I cannot even imagine having any more than that.

[Anonymous]

I'm totally overwhelmed with 2 but I just don't feel like my family is complete. We're probably done but I certainly don't feel done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Assuming this is a first marriage (i.e. no children from previous relationships), why would you and your husband decide to have more than just 2 children?
When I was a kid, all my friends had usually just one sibling. Now, I see families with more than 2 kids all the time. Usually 3+. Obviously, having one sibling is better than being a single child. But why more?

I teach my children that it is highly irresponsible to replace two people with more than just two. I also think it is much better for a family life (less activities to go to, more time to spend as a family, less financially demanding, less stressful, etc.)

No, no, no! Most studies have shown that singletons on all measures do as well OR BETTER than kids with siblings.

[Anonymous]

Why do you care, OP? What other people do with their reproductive lives is none of your business.

[Anonymous]

Status, selfishness, foolishness...

[Anonymous]

Wow, is this really even that unusual? My parents had 4 kids. Dh and I even (briefly) considered a third....and we didn't start our family until our mid 30's.

[Anonymous]

Mom of one here and you managed to piss me off too, OP. Not playing this game.