Is it responsible to have a large number of children?

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   Daniella Lopezposted 12 years ago

   Is it responsible to have a large number of children?
   
   I've been watching TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" and have been debating on whether or not it's responsible to have so many children. What are some of your views on the subject?

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   OutsideTheLinesposted 12 years ago

   I don't believe it is...it doesn't allow you to give each adequate attention and when kids don't get the attention they think they deserve it causes them to act out.

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      gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      This is true.   Children from large families DO receive less attention than children from small families.   They are also more likely to be either poor or impoverished.   Children from large families often seek attention elsewhere, often negative!

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   delaneyworldposted 12 years ago

   I've watched that program as well and have found it interesting.  I think it depends upon the situation and the family.  When I was planning my family, we took our income and our careers into consideration.  We stopped with one child because frankly, she was perfect.  Tee hee.  Beyond that, my health was failing, my uterus was no longer with me and we just could not afford to provide the lifestyle we wanted for another child.  We wanted our daughter to be able to go to college, etc.  I measured our level of responsibility by whether we could support our child financially, physically and emotionally and remain happy, functioning individuals living in a way we are comfortable and secure.  I suppose others may measure responsibility differently, but those were my guidelines when considering my own choices. 

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      gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I totally concur with this premise!   When my parents had me that was what they had in mind.  They wanted to provide with a comfortable lifestyle as a child which included a college education!

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   onegoodwomanposted 12 years ago

   If you can feed, clothe, educate and provide basic medical care for them.......it is NO ONE'S business, but the parents'.
   
   
   When you rely on taxpayer dollars for a lifetime of support......it is everyone's business.
   
   
   I have always taken care of my own..........it does not concern anyone else, if I  have 1, 3, 6, or 24.

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   freecampingaussieposted 12 years ago

   If they look after them well that is their choice . I had 3 girls & nearly had 4 . I loved having 3 girls as I enjoyed growing up having a brother & sisters and wanted them to have the same rather than being lonely on their own.I think having a brother or sister is more important than material posessions as they learn to share & have so much fun together right thru life !( If health permits it )
   Onlly children miss out on so much .
   
   I don't think I could have handled having that many kids myself as I couldn't imagine having the time to get to know them as individuals but they seem like a happy loving family.

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      gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      One  does not need siblings to have a full life.   I am an only child and missed out on nothing!  I have friends and activities.  What you are stating about only children is totally fallacious in its premise!

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   Old Empresarioposted 12 years ago

   I have four and I think that as long as one can afford many kids, it is ok. Children who grow up with brothers and sisters learn cooperation and ingenuity without draining their parents' time and energy for attention. They are more likely to be successful in life, because they learn the sober reality at an early age that they are not special. Yes; believe it or not, with 6 billion people in the world, no on is "special". Everybody has to work hard, plan, know their weaknesses, know their strengths, and surround themselves with the right people to achieve their goals. Children without siblings are led to believe by their parents that the world owes them something--a good job, education, fame, etc. That's why there are so many 20-something-year-old narcissists today.

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   jean2011posted 12 years ago

   Parenting is not an easy job. It takes time, money, and love to raise children who are well adjusted and self-assured. That being said, I think the job gets even more difficult when there are many kids. So, parents should plan very carefully and wisely how many kids they can truly afford to give the love, care, and affection that children do deserve.

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      gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Finally, an intelligent statement!   Kudos to you!

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   shea duaneposted 12 years ago

   When I was in college, there was a group called, 'Zero Population Growth' whose mission was to educate people about the resources necessary to sustain one individual. I thought the information that group provided was interesting, but I think people have the right to have as many children as they would like. However, 19 is way too many. I think that family is trying to prove some strange point just as is octo-mom. Children, in my opinion, are gifts from God not numbers in a TV cast.

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   eliowyposted 12 years ago

   Only if you have enough money to take care of them well. Personally i find that show disturbing. if you are going to have that many kids have a nanny or something to help you with them don't make your other kids be mothers to their sibblings. I am number 6 out of 7 in my family so second to last child and personally i think my parents were responsible. they knew how many kids they could provide for and did so (adopting me and my little brother). I think its a personal desicion. For some people it is only responsible to have 1 or 2 kids since thats all they can take care of for others if they want more and can provide for them then its their choice.

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    momo6kids1968posted 12 years ago

    I have six children. They are 22, 20,16,7,5 and 3. With each child, my spouse had a good paying job that allowed me to be a stay at home Mom, which I enjoy. Life throws curves at you and you just roll with it and if that means seeking help, then so be it. I have a critic who insists I had my last 3 for cash and that I am using my supposed sick children to get SSI, she's an idiot. Alot of people criticize me on my choice to have so many but until someone supports them or me, it is my business. None of my kids act out for attention, nor act like a lost soul. My kids are close and are always helpful to each other. My older kids know that they also were treated w more attention at a younger age and have no ill feelings to their younger siblings. My husband has been working for 30 yrs and has the right to ask for some help. No one knows the real reason I stay home( the idiot swears I'm using 1 of my children as an excuse not to work), I let her blow wind on that subject.
    
    It really is no one's business how many kids a person has. Now, as with people( not on here) stating they hate seeing their hard earned taxes go to waste supporting people w kids, here's a thought: how much of your taxes do you think really goes to the welfare system? Your taxes go into a general federal fund which then each federal program gets it's allotment of money.

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       gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You have admitted that you treat your youngest better than your oldest children.  You also acknowledged that you have cast your 3 oldest children aside for the youngest ones.  Typical large family scenario that I have written about in my hubs.

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    gmwilliamsposted 12 years ago

    Some people have MORE children than they can afford to care for emotionally, mentally,& socioeconomically. Are they THINKING about the ramifications of their actions on their children? DON'T think so! read more

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