Reply to I haven't figured out how people raise children in DC

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Hey, Ms. "Everyone get so defensive when asked why they only have one kid, they must subconsciously know they are selfish,"

Please point to the question in here:

[quote]I think it's a shame that people limit themselves to one child [b]so they can live in a small house or apartment in an over-priced area and afford private school if necessary[/b]. Having siblings is a good thing for so many reasons. Most of the folks I know who decided to "stop at one" did so because they're not willing to give up anything for their kids, rather than because they think it's the best environment for a child. Not criticizing. Just keeping in real. [/quote]You can't, can you?  Asking the question is fine.  Making inflamatory, offensive statements criticizing others' choices is certainly your right, but don't be surprised when others react strongly.  Saying just having one child is "a shame" and the result of parents who are "not willing to give anything for their kids" is offensive, and acting wounded when you're called on it (and attributing the reaction to defensiveness and the subconscious knowledge that you are correct) is either intellectually dishonest or intellectually deficient.  So, which are you?  [/quote]

OP of that post here.  I said that limiting your family to one child is a shame if the reason is to live in an overpriced area or because you insist on sending your kid to "just the right" private school and you can only afford to do that with one child. Children are not pets that you have mainly to magnify your own ego or just something to have as long as they don't intrude too much on your pursuit of material satisfaction. If you have a medical conditioon that makes it impractical to raise another child or your relationship falls apart, that's different. But if you have a child because you've always wanted an Audi and a baby and now that you have one of each, your needs are satisfied, that's pretty selfish.  You and others (only kids and parents of only kids mainly) can get as snarky as you like, but it doesn't alter the fact that if the main consideration for your family size is YOU, YOU , YOU  and what's most convient for YOU, YOU, YOU, then, yes, you're being very selfish. [/quote]

Just because you do not make the same decisions as others does not mean that they are wrong.  I choose to have one child, partially because I couldn't not afford to live where I live and send my children to school here or travel extensively if I had more than one.  That is not the only reason, but it is a major consideration.  This is not just because I am selfish.  I think this would be best for my child.  I love being able to show my child the world and exposing him to different cultures everyday.  I am able to dedicate my time and energy to his education (both formal and otherwise) and to the community, and I am able to give him happy parents.  In my opinion, this is the very best that I, given who I am, can give my child.  Moreover, having one child and maintaining our walkable life aligns with my strong beliefs about sustainability and the environment.  You may be different, and that is fine too.  But, it is not fair to think that those who are making the decision to have one child are thinking only of themselves or treating their child like a pet.    [/quote]

Well said!  My child (besides going to a good school) lives in the city, has a nice house, has been to Europe several times and is bilingual.  He can tell you about how different people are from around the world.  OH THE HORROR!!!!  I'm sorry I didn't have a second child so I couldn't afford these things for him.  Yes, I should drag him out to Manasas, send him to public school with a bunch of white kids all the same, take no vacations where he learns other cultures and have a sibling for him to fight with.

Good point!  I'll get right on that.[/quote]

Bah!  Having a single child is extremely selfish!  After all, who will take care of you when you're old?[/quote]

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