Do you raise your eyebrows at people with 4 children?

[AnxietyForever]

Just above really? I always find 2 or 3 children are seen as the 'norm', what about 4 children?

I think 4 is the perfect number, especially if they get 2 boys and two girls. I’m so jealous of families that size.

I do raise ny eyebrows slightly tho if the gap between each child is very small, like only a year or two, I just don’t think it’s fair on the babies.

Congratulations OP🎉🤰 it's going to be absolutely chaotic but so much fun🤣

Nope, but I am one of 7, and it's normal for my family! All my aunts and uncles who had children had at least 4 and my dad was one of nine....
So generally I don't even notice, and I doubt many people actually judge in a negative way.

Growing up in the '80s it wasn't uncommon but there doesn't seem to be many younger families nowadays with 3+ kids unless they're blended.

I have 4. I get a lot of 'I bet they keep you busy' comments. I just smile and reply that I wouldn't have it any other way. I did have a lady ask me if they were all mine in sainsburys and was expecting the usual comment but she just looked at them and said "I hope you know how lucky you are." I thought that was lovely. I always thought 4 was unusual but now I have 4, I see larger families everywhere. We tend to stick together.

I’d love to have four, life had different plans gotcha though and we stopped at two.

*for us (don’t know where gotcha came from!).

I've got four very close in age. It seems DH and I didn't master the rhythm method.

Frequently judged. These days I do not give one fuck. They are great kids and I have high hopes that they will find a cure for AIDS, facilitate world peace and make me smile.

Yes I would but try not to show it ... I genuinely don't understand how anyone can cope with so many DC and support them emotionally (let alone financially). Obviously I would never say anything.

Depends on the situation, if it was 4 kids by 4 different men then possibly. If they continued to have children without being able to provide for the ones they already have then possibly.

Otherwise as previous posters said, only in a 'how the hell are you still functioning cos I'd be dead from exhaustion by now' kind of way

Sometimes, although originally I wanted 4. 5 is when my internal eyebrows rise. I hope I don't show it to the parents though as it's unlikely my business though.

I'd love 4. Have 3 - 2 of whom are twins from IVF. 2 embryos left frozen. No tubes left so will never have an accidental pregnancy. In my heart I can't rule out trying a transfer next year but I've been told by family that it's a "stupid" idea - like just because I can't rule at least giving them a chance I'm not grateful for and making the most of the ones I have.

When I was pregnant with my second child and had my lovely 2 step sons with me - so I kids aged 4 , 8 and 10, people kept looking at me ...: and I kept thinking 'what are they looking at?'
When the Penny final dropped - 4th baby on the way I though how ridiculous.
They didn't even live with us. But fast forward nearly 30 years - what great people they've become.
Op - lucky you. Enjoy!!

I'd love to have had four. I stopped at three, I'd not have coped with more. I'd never judge.

Me too. Mine aren't close together in age which had pros and cons but they're marvellous and I'm very proud. Of them and myself.

No - I’ve got 4 - all adults now - it was a challenge at times!

Anything more than 2 and I think:
chav
rich
or not British

Congratulations on your pregnancy.
I know lots of people with 4 children, I wouldn't judge at all. I have 3 but I would have liked 4.

@Ragwort actually I secretly judge too. I would love four, but I actually find all the baby chat etc quite dull and think poor you having to go through that drudgery for so many years…. But I do also think it must be worth it when you have the little people at the end of it!

I'm one of 4 (mum had twins) and had 4 myself (had quite a gap between the 3rd and 4th so for a long time had 3). It does feel like quite a big family but it's also lovely - they are all so different and interesting. I'm glad I had 4. It can be quite full on but none of mine have lacked time and attention (although I was a sahm so maybe easier for me time wise).

I’d love to have had three siblings. I had none.

I’ve 4 and wouldn’t change it. For those judgey people they’re all well educated, musical and sporty - 4 doesn’t equal poverty and neglect!

I don't.
If anything I am awe but I'm also really grateful it's not me as I wouldn't be able to cope.
I'm that helicopter parent, do it all with high precision and always making time for myself. Two is doable, anything from 3 upwards would be unbelievably chaotic for my rhythm and energy and at least one of us would run away from home in that scenario.
I imagine the mums must be made of military material to keep it all going and I also imagine it must be really nice to have the good part, decades down the line, when the kids all come to visit and there are all those grandchildren to shower with love.

Only from an environmental perspective. Having a child is the biggest co2 emission anyone can make.

I wouldn’t judge, except to think how on earth do people manage! I struggle to keep my sanity with two...so it’s probably a bit of jealousy maybe?