What do you think makes you want to have more children than 'average'?

[Essie274]

A question I've been pondering a lot recently.

DH is one of 2 children and always assumed that he would also have two children. And so many people seem to aim for and be content with two.

I don't know why I feel the pull to have more children. I'd like 4 or 5, ideally - but will probably settle on 3 (obviously because DH is not on board with a larger family, but also for financial reasons).

I never wanted children but DH did and I agreed to have one because I knew how much he wanted to be a dad. As soon as DS1 was a few months old I wanted another one-it's definitely a biological thing. And then when DH said he'd like another one I agreed quite easily.We had all 3 in 6 years and we were 35 when DS1 was born. DH had a vasectomy because I definitely didn't want any more. 3 is definitely enough and we both agree that but I still sometimes think what if?

@TinyTeachr @BertieBotts - it sounds like our younger selves would have gotten along very well . I too was always sketching out my dream family/dream houses, I always thought I'd have 6 children and still enough bedrooms for them all - not sure how I thought that would happen!

Her name is chloeandbeans on instagram. You're welcome.

Not exactly a “larger family”, but we’ve had 3 in 5 years. I’m 37 now and haven’t ruled out number 4 100% completely, but I think it’s unlikely for practical reasons at least in the next 2/3 years.

For us, we didn’t want to stop at 2 because there are unlikely to be any close cousins or other children in their generation as my siblings and DH’s brother are all older and haven’t had/wanted kids, and I want them to always have family around them. We’ve got the space and finances (notwithstanding any massive changes in circumstances) to mean they won’t have to be cramped or miss opportunities, so sort of thought why not?!

My parents had a massive age gap, and they lived with my granny, inheriting the family home when she died.

Our street is literally bunged with cars, belonging to offspring that can't afford to move out.

My eldest will be 27 when they (hopefully) have a sufficient deposit to buy a house. Second, about to turn 25, doesn't have a penny to their name and is being fully supported by us to study in Europe. Youngest in uni, still living at home and paying for fuck all!

Most of my friends growing up were also from families of 6-12, my husband’s family being on the larger side of that, so to me/us our five don’t even feel like that many. I actually have fewer than the majority of my friends. We were of course very lucky to have things work out as we wanted them to, but given the choice we never would have had less than 4/5. I enjoy the busyness and happiness of a house full of children.