Do you regret not having that additional kid?

[Anonymous]

I have two, early twenties now. Yes, I do wish I had another child but more for them to have another sibling than for myself. But I will second others, baby and toddler years are a breeze compared to mid teen years. You think you raise kids same way and they turn out totally different, it is beautiful! But exhausting.

[Anonymous]

I would like for them to have more siblings but I would choose a different lifestyle bringing them up to be able to afford it. Not so much frivolous spending and better savings.

[Anonymous]

No. Two is a great number. Three is chaos.

[Anonymous]

No. If you are older, do the math. When they are in college, you may be wanting to retire.

[Anonymous]

No. I love the two we have, but I am so glad we didn’t have a third. Another kid would have been the tipping point into complete exhaustion for me (the mom and go-to parent).

[Anonymous]

Yes, and I tried. But it was not to be.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure I would be so happy to have a third if I did, but I'm glad to only pay for college for two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Now that your kids are grown - do you wish you had more? I have 2 now and it’s hard in the baby stage but I worry I’ll regret not having a bigger family when they get older.

The baby years are a breeze compared to the teenager years. Try controlling a teen who's having a tantrum!

My husband came from a big family and he did not want the chaos. I only had one sibling, so for us 2 were perfect.

Why do you want a big family? what do you think a "big" family would do for you (personally) later in life?

My kids are not adults, and I have two, but I just wanted to agree with this. I also thought I wanted a third and "if only we could get though the baby and toddler stage ...." I am here to tell you the baby and toddler stage is NOT the hard part. Not by any stretch.

Agree. It’s a walk in the park.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My sons are now 25 and 21. I thought long and hard about having a third, but ultimately decided against it. Financially it would have been a big stretch for us.

I have wistful thoughts about the daughter I never had. But I don't really regret not having a third. We are almost done with college expenses now and that will be a huge relief. I'm looking forward to having the kids fully launched. Our financial situation in mid-life is and in retirement will be much better for having had only 2 children, and there is a great deal of comfort in that. We can help our 2 kids if they need it and not have to worry that we don't have enough to take care of ourselves.

My kids are a little younger but I feel the same.

[Anonymous]

Though it seems most families i know have 3 kids.

[Anonymous]

My kids are teens and I wish I had a third. In many ways it is easier with two, but i still get a twinge of longing when I see families of three sometimes. At the time we would have had to do IVF for a third, and the doctor thought we had a pretty low chance of success so it was hard to justify spending the money when we already had two kids. I don't regret that decision, just wish we could have had a miracle baby.

[Anonymous]

Nope. We have one and our family is complete. No regrets.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Wish I had a fourth. Just a sense that someone is missing. But I am an older mom and went through ivf. I also had a demanding job.

You need some spare kids. Saying it in jest .. kind of. I think my oldest will move away and isn’t very communicative. Would love another like my youngest son. But a girl.

[Anonymous]

No. I am glad I kept it to two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Now that your kids are grown - do you wish you had more? I have 2 now and it’s hard in the baby stage but I worry I’ll regret not having a bigger family when they get older.

No. I was one and done. I'm very pleased with the way things have turned out.