Greedy me

[WinkyWinkola]

I have 4 dcs.

I would love another. Just one more, I think.

Dh isn't bothered. He thinks we are blessed with 4 healthy dcs. So do I.

Is it just greedy and irresponsible to have another? I'm 41.

[groupie43]

as long as you can afford it and have the time to devote to them all then why not, i have six children and love having a big family as i was an only child and hated, and no we are not on benefits before anyone gets all het up...

[WinkyWinkola]

Do you feel they all get enough attention though?

[claraschu]

I wouldn't say this to anyone in RL, but overpopulation is a major contributor to most of the environmental problems we are having, so yes I think having 5 children is greedy and selfish. I feel guilty about having 3.

Here are some interesting statistics about the impact of a new baby born in the US (Europe must be similar) compared to a baby born in the developing world. www.motherjones.com/environment/2008/04/whats-your-babys-carbon-footprint

[claraschu]

I actually understand that people are tempted, and have big families even though it is not the best thing for the planet. I am just surprised that people don't even seem to consider the impact of doubling the population.

[groupie43]

blah blah blah, you could write the script couldnt you....the demise of the planet is obviously imminent if you decide to have another one lol just do whats right for your own family and leave the hand knitted mung bean sandwich brigade to do what they think is right for theirs

[5madthings]

I have five, we planned four and no five was a bit of a bonus baby, its fine attention wise, I dotn notice a difference to four tbh. It has its moments obviously but once you get to three then one or two more don't seem to make a difference time.

[Pootles2010]

Well, its not greedy or irresponsible to have more, so long as you can afford the money/time needed. I've only got one though, so might be seeing this through slightly rose tinted glasses, but it does sound nice!

Only thing is finances really - we don't have a lot, and thinking very long-term, I like the fact that when we pop our clogs ds will get everything, setting him up nicely (i hope!), and we should be able to afford uni etc. So remember to think long-term, as well as short. If you can afford it, thats great, and go for it.

[LongStory]

groupie your response is outdated and dismissive. It's important to understand about climate change when you have any number of children - as this is the legacy we're passing on. The environmental aspect was a big struggle for me when I had an unexpected multiple birth which took me into the large family brigade. We try to limit our impact.

Having additional children is arguably greedy in this respect but is hugely unselfish of your time, your emotional energy, and your finances. It also is economically unselfish as our population is ageing and we need workers in 20-30 years time to produce goods and services for us (as pensioners) to consume!

[ZingWidge]

I'm the worst person to give advice, because I always say yes!

we have 6 and I want 2 more. I'm almost 39.

see, I just can't help it!
It's a yes from me