How many children is too many?

Question

We're watching a show about a family that had twins and wanted "one more" (via in vitro) and they were "blessed" with 6 children. There are families with 18 children. How many children is too many children for one family to have? Is it anybody's business but theirs?

Answer 1

If you can't take care of your children, in the sense that you can't pay for them to live like any normal person, then it's too many. Also, if having a certain amount of children takes away from childhood development in one or more of the children (oldest child being forced to "grow up" early, or the middle child being neglected) then it is also a bad thing.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

It's a complicated issue but ultimately the decision lies with the parents who hopefully can gauge how many children their budget and means can handle.

There are extremes on opposite ends: those who think that anyone who has more than 1 boy and 1 girl is contributing to a so-called "population explosion" and those who think that having as many children as you possibly can is a good and necessary thing.

It's somewhere in the middle and each family is different. I know many large families (12 kids or more) that are doing just fine financially, spiritually, etc. I also know some parents who would like more children but are delaying for good and serious reasons.

We should hope that people prayerfully consider the question of children and don't go off too far in either direction but let God guide them.

And even children that are "surprises" or not planned are gifts from God and should be welcomed.

Answer 5

I don't think it is anyone's business but the family in question. The Dugger family shows no signs of stopping anytime soon and they have 16 so far. I was watching the same show as you again tonight as I had missed the last part when they moved into the new house. I still missed it tonight because of packing to move myself next week. Previous generations in my family at least were larger, 10 or more children. one grandmother was 1 of 9 or 10, an uncle was the youngest of 9, my mother is the 3rd oldest of 6 girls but her father had only 1 brother. My husband is 1 of 4, his mother 1 of 6 and his father 1 of 3. My father was middle of 3, all dead now.

My husband and I are trying to conceive a second baby now, we have a son who will be 2 in October. We want 2 for sure and if we can financially afford a 3rd in the next 10 years then we will have 3.

Answer 6

It's too many when you depend on a sibling to take care of the younger ones. All children should be able to grow up and have fun as children do... not change diapers, or feed a bottle, or give a bath. Families that have multiple children (and I've seen a few shows on a family in Utah... 15 children & growing), say that they depend on the older ones to take care of the younger ones... they called it the buddy system. That's just wrong. They'll have time enough to take care of kids when they have their own. They should not have to be parents at such a young age.
Other factors should be finances, and time to devote to kids. Can the parents afford to have more kids, or are they going to depend on gov't assistance. In which case, I would have to say that I don't want to work hard and pay taxes to support someone else's child.

Answer 7

I think it is the decision of the Husband and Wife.

Some people have more money, more resources, more space, more patience, more focus, and more parenting skills. Those people can handle large families.

But it's not for everyone.

I am child #2 out of 6. I love all my siblings, and can't imagine life without a single one of them! But I also remember not being able to do very many things as a family, and my parents always stressed over money. But our needs were met, and we were happy.

I have 2 children of my own. I KNOW I won't have 6. I just think I would go insane! I am not even half the amazing woman my mother was!

I think as long as you can take care of them, not live off of welfare to burden the taxpayers with raising them, and you can bring them up to be decent wonderful people in society, then have the large family you want!

Answer 8

Yes i saw that show also. I think as long as you can afford them (without getting on welfare) and you still have the patience, love and energy which that lady did then go for it!! Them kids were meant to be here and what better parents than them 2. They are a very loving family. The kids are very smart 17 year old already doing his own documentarys, all the kids play violins, they are all well behaved and they can afford them, better than some people having all the kids, on drugs, welfare. no education........Now the other family that had the sixtuplets , i feel sorry for them. They only wanted one more kid and ended up with 6. That must be hard. I hope the find a way and that things only get better for them. Show them some mercy.

Answer 9

i don't there is a number i want a large amount i lived in a house of 19 people total and my grandfather was the youngest of 27..... i think too many is when you cant afford to take care of them emotionally, financially and physically. As long as the children are well taken care of it is know ones business but their own.

Answer 10

I think that all depends on the parents.How much patience they have and how much attention they are willing to give their children to bring them up right.I mean you could have 10 kids and be a shitty parent and raise them all wrong.....whats the point in that?Or have 1 or 2 kids and raise them right.Like I said,its how much you're willing to do for your kid.Also there is the economical factor...your child should never be deprived of the basics,so it also has to do with how much you have to give.I have twin girls and definitely want another at some point but I quit my job in order to give my undivided attention to my kids now that they need me most.Having kids means you must be willing to sacrifice many things for them