For the parents, is it easier having one child or two?

Question

Right now, with a baby under a year old, it seems like way too much extra work to have a second child. But as he gets older, will it be easier for us parents if he's an only or if he has a (healthy) sibling?

I'm not asking which is better for my son, that's a more complicated question. Just asking about this one purely selfish component to family planning-- which is more work?

Answer 1

I believe there are advantages and disadvantages to both situations. I was an only child, and I do not remember having 'entertainment' issues, and my mother is constantly telling me how glad she is that she only had one child, because she sees how hectic it can be with two...I have two kids plus two stepkids (who visit part-time). Anyway, nothing ever goes according to plan, and you should make a list of the pros and cons....not every sibling is going to 'entertain' they may fight and create more problems than just an only child...you never know until you are in the moment, really.

Answer 2

I have a 4 yr old and a 6 month old. Honestly, I often think back to how easy we had it with just my son, and I kind of miss those days. Sort of the way you probably miss your pre-baby days, but still wouldn't give up your son. I'm sure that once my younger one is older it will all be easier, but right now it's a lot of work. My dad told us right after my 2nd was born that parents think it's going to be a child for each parent, but most of the time it's more like 2 kids for each parent.

Answer 3

Get that notion right out of your head. Parenting is not easy not with one child not with 5. It might be easier in on respect only to prove more difficult in another. An only child presents problems the will differ from the set to troubles you get when there are siblings but you as the parent have no easy road so do not even try to base your decission on that. If you are even thinking in that way, perhaps you should quit while you are ahead and stop having anymore kids. At least with one, when you are done raising that one, you are done, well as done as you ever get being a mother.

Answer 4

Two is defintely more work, to be honest. I remember someone who only had one child telling me (when I had two in diapers at the time) that she thinks having one was harder. That just doesn't make sense! I have three now and they are all in school and the difficulties are different than when they were all small. The one thing I can say is that if you know you want more than one child, the closer they are in age, the easier in the long run, rather than spreading things out. My sister thought for a long time that she just wanted the one child she had, but when he was about 4, she changed her mind. She has two now and doesn't regret it at all.

Answer 5

Well, two is more work--but not twice as much. Mine are 3 years and 3 months. My son helps out a lot with his little sister But, as their pediatrician pointed out, the most dangerous thing in our house for a 3 month old is probably the 3 year old. But as they get older I expect things to get easier--until they hit teenage years at least!

Answer 6

The second is easier than the first-you are already broken in as parents. But I think having two children is more work than just one.

Answer 7

I have two kids and they are 11 months apart and I LOVE IT!!! They are so good at keeping each other entertained. They are both still in diapers which can be kinda crazy but I have gotten used to it. Diaper changing time is like an assembly line.

Answer 8

2! Ours are only a year about, but now at 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 they keep eachother busy.

Answer 9

I have only ever had 2, have twins, but I love it! Having 2 is great they keep each other company and are a playmate for each other! Sure it is hard work but worth it!

Answer 10

I think everyone should have a sibling to cling to, but I think that if you are going to have two you should atleast get one outta diapers. For your own sanity...