Why do some people seem angry that I have so many kids?

Question

I have seven children, ranging in age from 3 years old to 19. Inevitably I encounter people who seem hostile to me. I truly have no clue why someone would be angry.

I am not, nor have I ever been, on welfare. I am college educated, and have a very strong marriage and faith in God. My children are well behaved, some of them home schooled but some are in public school. I pay taxes; I work for a living; I spend time with my children. My oldest serves in the armed forces.

When some people find out the number of children I have they ask rude questions such as, "why would you need/want so many children, do you have a farm to run?"

Each of my children will be college educated and productive members of society if I have anything to say about it. Many are on the honor roll, and volunteer in church.

So what gives?

:-)

Actually, we're not Mormon. We're not even Catholic. We happen to be Christian. I think speculation about one's religion is one of the rudest comments ever. But my favorite is the "you don't know what causes that do you?"

I'm don't believe that we have an obligation to fill the earth. But there are people that bring many children into this world without teaching them faith, manners, or even how to care for themselves. I think it is only fair that educated, financially secure people should have the right to have and raise as many children as they can afford - emotionally and financially.

I did not go to a religious college, I went to state college. Nor do we go door to door cramming our faith down people's throats. We're normal, average people with wonderful children.

Answer 1

A lot of people are brainwashed. They're convinced that because of people like you (and me... ok, I only have 3, but I still feel like people treat me different because of that)... anyway, because of people like us, there won't be any more room for human beings on this planet. They actually believe that in the very near future this planet will run out of room and resources. Incindentally, Hitler and the Nazis had some of the same ideas (humans=evil, nature and animals=good).
I believe different. There's plenty of room and resources on this planet to support MANY TIMES the current population.
When the population will get close to what this planet can support, it will take care of itself... just like when you put fish in an aquarium and they don't outgrow their space.

The real problem is that people are selfish. Why don't they want the population to increase?... well they would have to share... oh no, they can't do that. Geez, most of the ZPG people don't even want to share their toys with one kid. They want to have nice comfortable lives with nobody to bother them, no diapers to change... just long healthy, stress free lives with lots of vacations, money and big properties to have all to themselves.
Tell them to quit being selfish brats.

Answer 2

Most people sterotype and form generalizations that may not be true of you or your family, yet there is little you can do to prevent someone's thinking. Here are my interpretations based on what you have said.

1) Morman religion (other religions and people may not be tolerant of the philosophy behind Mormans)
2) Have so many kids and retain figure (other women may be jealous)
3) Assume your kids are neglected or misbehaved since there are so many.
4) May see your family as irresponsible for having so many children
5) Since it is socially uncommon for more than four kids to accompany a family, any more than five kids is frowned upon, ecspecially since American society views few if little children satisfactory when balanced with a carreer and lifestyle. (enough to replace yourselves in a population, but not too many to overpopulate since this is common practice in more poor countries such as Africa and the middle east)

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I can't believe people would be hostile about that, especially seeing how you seem to be a productive member of society and seem to be raising wonderful children. My parents had five children. My older brother is about 26 and my younger sister is 14. And my aunt had 6 kids, within about the same age group.

Answer 4

There;s a leaping lizard in the city that does twirls once in a while, if you ask him for his assistance you can get a hold of his magical potential political abilites and make him president, but you'll have to see if your president likes eating pizza from Domino's cause that's all that at the White House. So In short, the answer to your question is he's probably crazy .So what?

Answer 5

Just ignore them. I have two kids, and personally could not imagine having any more than that, don't think we could cope mentally or financially, but the number of children someone has, provided they can care both financially and emotionally for those children is entirely up to them.
I admire you for bringing up that number of children, I don't know how you cope, like I said, I struggle with two!!

Answer 6

People can be so rude!!
I wouldn't worry about what anyone has to say...You have done and continue to do a wonderful job raising your family.I have 1 sister, we are twins.I always wanted a bigger family, and sadly that didn't happen. You have been blessed!
These rude people are not paying your taxes, utilities, or paying your mortgage, or putting food on your table....
They are not paying for your childrens education or care at all.
Keep up the good job you are doing, and know that you are truly blessed!

Answer 7

Maybe they think your on welfare and as tax payers we are paying the bill!!! Or their just jealous. Some people can't have kids and when they see all your beautiful child they have to lash out in frustration!! You are very fortunate to have such a wonderful family.You sound like a wonderful Mom keep up the good work!!!!

Answer 8

They are just rude and uneducated. I have 5 kids and people are always shocked for some reason. I enjoy kids and would not change a thing in my life. Some people can't even have kids so count your blessings. It is good to see people having families instead of being selfish and pursuing other waste-of-time things. Good for you. Hold your head up high and let those looks, comments, insults roll right off of your back.

Answer 9

You've had a good thing ruined by too many people who have kids they can't support.

It's like teen mothers who are married, planned for the baby have jobs and people will judge them based on other teen mothers who get knocked up and drop out of school and feed their baby through welfare cheques.

All you can do is smile and explain it to them as clearly and concisely as you have here.

Answer 10

Since the world is quickly falling apart because of overpopulation it is seen as being the height of selfishness. You are college educated......must have been a religious college...........haven't you ever heard of zero population growth? I suspect you fell for that old line to be fruitful and multiply. That is propaganda put out by religious factions so membership in their churches will grow as you teach your children to be part of them. It is certainly time for you to keep your knees together and for your husband to get a vasectomy. You have added much to the overpopulation.