What are some good reasons to stop having kids after you've had just one child?

Question

I'm aware that kids from larger families are more likely to...

a) perform poorly in school
http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0003-1224(199510)60%3A5%3C746%3AWBINBF%3E2.0.CO%3B2-T
http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/sibsize1.htm

b) have health problems and experience injuries
http://www.rand.org/labor/pdfs/2006_yamashita_2.pdf
http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/9/1/58

c) be juvenile delinquents
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3904937

d) be lower in IQ
http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/wlsresearch/publications/files/public/Retherford-Sewell_Intelligence.and.Family.Size.Reconsidered.pdf
http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/recordDetail?accno=EJ627449

e) and be kidnapped
http://www.springerlink.com/index/R376001P6668PG61.pdf

...than kids from smaller families, but can you think of any additional reasons why conscientious, loving parents should choose to have fewer rather than more kids?

P.S., If you're the sort of person who disbelieves research just because it makes you feel bad, please say so in your reply.

I'm having a fun little disagreement with my husband, who was raised with a Bible-thumping "multiply and replenish the earth" mentality. But I think I've just about convinced him that we are DONE having kids.

Answer 1

Any or all of these:

*you don't want more children
*you can't afford more children
*you like things the way they are
*you don't want to have to deal with sibling rivalries, arguments, etc.
*you think it's better for the planet

there are lots of other possibilities

Answer 2

If you and your husband can not agree on this it can cause alot of trouble down the line. Regardless of what the studies say (and I'm not saying that I agree or disagree, but I am from a family of 4 and we are all law abiding, intellegent, heathy and were not kidnapped, lol!), you don't want more kids and he does. Maybe get some couples counseling so you can work this issue out in a neutral environment.

Answer 3

I would say that the biggest reason not to is just your own desire to not have a large family. I know this is nothing to do with the resarch you cited, what is more important is that you only have children if you really want them.

Answer 4

1. population control (hippy parents unless you live in china where it is law).

2. 1 less mouth to seed

3. more money in pocket since you won't have to raise many children

4. easier to manage. at least with one children parents can more easily raise him or her.

5. easier to discipline

cons kid ***** up, you're ****** in the gene pool

Answer 5

You don't have to have a reason. If you only want one child then that's reason enough. I only wanted one until I thought about what would happen to him if we died. I think everyone needs a sibling to rely on and grow up with

Answer 6

How about zero population growth?! Negative would be better really.