If money, space etc wasn’t an issue how many children would you have?

[hayandoats]

I totally understand now I’ve got ds how the Radfords etc happen

Just been sorting through his baby things and already things don’t fit ... probably never be worn again. And he looks so tiny on newborn pics!

I’d want four but think it’ll be one or two. Desperately hoping for two. How about you?

You do know we are talking about imaginary children, so environmental concerns don't actually need to come into it.

The one I have. Money and space didn't enter the decision to have one.

The worldwide fertility rate is 2.5, the European fertility rate is 1.6

I have two (DS 5 and DD 2). Love being a mum and would so, so love to have a third (particularly broody right now as my DD is now the age DS was when I fell pregnant with her) but DH isn’t keen and for practical reasons he is probably right - we are keeping the option on the table though as I’m still early 30s.

If money/space/environmental considerations didn’t come into play I’d probably have that third and maybe a fourth after that but I can’t imagine having more than that.

I have 1 currently. I think I would still stick at 1, possibly 2.
We are fairly lucky money and space wise. It’s the time issue for me.
I would be having a breakdown after just making a bowl of cornflakes for 22 children every day!
The work and time to go into raising children is a huge factor. I like time to myself too much

I have 2. Money and space aren’t really a problem. We could afford another child and have a 4 bedroom house, but I’m definitely sticking with 2. I’m so done!

I suppose if I could afford a full time nanny and night nanny then maybe I’d think about more.

Definitely 3/4. Currently have 2 and would love at least one more but childcare costs would become an issue.

If money, space and fertility weren't issues I would have 3 or 4.

I have 2.

Still 2. Any more is socially irresponsible (puts on hard hat).

@Overdueanamechange

Still 2. Any more is socially irresponsible (puts on hard hat).

Well isn’t more than 1 socially irresponsible- most people state more than 2 because most people want a sibling for their child. There’s no actual parameter which says 2 ok 3 bad

I would love 4 + full time nanny for help, I would like a huge playroom downstairs, dining room, lounge, conservatory, kitchen with utility room & a study, 6 bedroom upstairs.

It's ok to dream, right? X

I'd love quite a few, at least 3. But no chance in this house, and little chance of moving any time soon.

You are right @onlyfoolsnmothers. With a growing population 2 is still unsustainable.

...

We will have 5 come July, thankfully have more than enough space, money etc and I would not want any more

4!! It’s the lack of sleep I can’t deal with so may push to 3 but defo not 4, unless twins 😱

When I was younger I would have said 5. But now I know what pregnancy and birth does to the body (and mind) I'd say 3.

Just the one

3 probably - I think 4 would be too much to cope with. I grew up youngest of 3, but I couldn't face more years of childcare, having to have a large car and spreading resources over 3 kids rather than two. Would probably have had a third if it felt affordable - DH in particular quite fancied having another, but he did agree with me also we were taking a big chace; both DCs were 'easy' babies and there's no way we'd have got that lucky with a third.

Money and space isn’t an issue to us but I still wouldn’t have more than the 2 I have. I do worry about the world we’ve brought the 2 we have into though.

Zero

In an ideal world, where I had the space and money for it to be comfortable (and environmental issues ASIDE), I'd like 5 or 6. I have always dreamed of having a house full of children as I grew up as an only and was very lonely - loved being in the hustle and bustle of my aunt's house with my 4 cousins. I only have one though, and we might be sticking with that, perhaps another one in a few years (am only mid 20s now, so have time).

If by space not being an issue you mean a repopulate a post apocalyptic world scenario (no overpopulation or environmental concerns), and I'd have adequate prevision and protection while caring for babies and young children, then I'd have a three more. I wouldn't want less than two to three years between children so I'd be lucky to get two in at this stage though.

*provision

When they were babies I’d have said - if money was no issue and I could have them in nursery a couple of days a week, plus some night nanny support - loads.

Now they are older (late primary) I’d say two. Or maybe one. I’d quite like to return DS1 today. Space and money aren’t the issue, it’s the mental toll of behaviour or demands or children fighting, just relentless. I think when they were little I thought we’d get through the short-term challenges of baby and toddler years and then all would be easy.