Multiple children

[WanderingTrolley1]

What do you think of couples who have large families - say 4/5/6+ children?

Well I'm one of six who had five myself (all grown up now) so I feel quite wistful tbh because I was always and still am very happy to be surrounded by my brood.
I have one grandchild and don't expect I will have anymore though. I tend to think large families are more frowned upon these days.

I think if they can afford it and have the energy then I don’t have an issue at all.

My sil on the other hand, always dreamed of a big family despite not having the finances to support it. Her and her partner went ahead and had 5 children so that’s 7 of them crammed in a 3 bed semi. As soon as the eldest 2 boys finished school they were left to fend for themselves. One joined the army and spends any free time at my mil’s. They’ve bled my in laws dry, mil and fil cashed in numerous insurance policies to help support them. They’re still both working well into their 60’s and are struggling terribly with their health.

Second eldest child got a girl pregnant at 15. Mil dared to express her opinion on the matter and was swiftly cut out of their lives. They’ve been none contact now for 3 years. Sil owes then thousands (not that they’d ever demand in back).

I’m appalled by them really. That’s the experience I’ve had of the impact of having a large family with total disregard for the practicalities.

• that’s my sister in law who’s bled my pil dry, not her eldest 2 children.

I think I'm great, thanks.

What about the environmental impact of people having large families?

I think we do need to consider the environmental impact but what stopped us having more was how realistically we didn’t believe we could give enough attention to more.

I am glad I only had two and it wouldn't be for me, but I don't know anyone in RL who has had any more than 3.

Why are you asking? Wondering if anything has piqued your interest are those Radford people having another bloody baby?.

I have a double handful of siblings. Christmas is MENTAL.

What about the environmental impact of people having large families?

Oh, I see... you wanted to start a mud slinging thread

Are you a journo ?

The environmental impact of more children has only entered public awareness recently so I wouldn’t judge anyone with an existing big family. I agree it may become more of a ‘thing’ going forwards. In fact a few years ago I believe we were being advised to have more children to support the ageing population!

@FlibbertyGiblets

Why are you asking? Wondering if anything has piqued your interest are those Radford people having another bloody baby?.

I have a double handful of siblings. Christmas is MENTAL.

I suspect this article from BBC news has something to with it. www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-49298720

I think people who have one child are bonkers so can’t imagine what goes through the mind of someone who has 4/5/6+. I can only assume they hate freedom and sleep!

Our society actually needs more children as the numbers of old people increase hugely.
Who’s going to work and pay taxes to run the country? Who will care for frail demented retirees without children or grandchildren? Where will the next generation of doctors and nurses come from?
Those who can afford big families should go ahead and contribute young people who will be sorely needed to look after the planet which previous generations have wrecked.

Everytime I see a family with lots of children I think the same thing.

I have one but partner wants a second, I would have been happy without and and also happy to stick at one.

One child is better for the environment, better for finances and in general the way things are going.

When I see a family of 3, 4 or even 5 or more children I always think “they look like a family”

Personally, if they can provide for them financially and emotionally, I think it's none of my business. I think it's sad the kids lose out on 1:1 time or hobbies when there's lots of them, but I'm sure there are plus points too. As previous poster said, the environmental aspect is relatively new, but I don't see many people cutting down on foreign holidays or imported food, drink, imported cars , clothes or white goods to reduce their carbon footprint.

What Skittlenommer said with bells on, for me. For others? I don’t think anything, why would I?

Nothing, it’s up to each couple to decide how many children they want

I wonder how they have the energy to look after them all...and thank heavens it's not my life.

Well we have 4 children. Close in age. We try to be as fair as possible. everyone has one school club each. Weekends are for family time.however this will change as they grow and do their own things. Each child gets the same amount of time and affection or more as and when needed. They play together nicely. They share well actually we share everything. We do have 2 cars but we dont go on foreign holidays. We recycle as much as we can. Cook from scratch and even though we have the cars we walk as much as possible. Mainly ebcaus ei actually find driving quite stressful. Whereas i have friends who have one or two children who drive everywhere, to school, the park, the shop down the road. Go on a few foreign holidays every year and don't recycle much and just spend a lot of money on pointless things.. yet we are bad for the environemtn. İ don't think that's a good argument for all 'large' families.

That was appalling grammar and spelling. İ apologise

Oh and no one's ever lonely. Someone's always available

I don't see many people cutting down on foreign holidays or imported food, drink, imported cars , clothes or white goods to reduce their carbon footprint.

Absolutely. In fact those with fewer children seem to have just as much of an impact on the environment in their own way.

Oh, and to answer your question, I think you are trying to start a deliberately goady post.

I'm envious tbh. I have three and would have loved more but decided not to for the right reasons for us (nothing to do with the environment).