Have you always wanted lots of children? Or are you thinking one could be enough? Deciding how many children to have is one of the most significant decisions a couple will make.
While you might not be thinking of having as many babies as The Radfords, there are some important things to consider before taking the leap and adding to your number. To help you weigh up the pros and cons, here’s a look at the good and bad bits about having a larger family.
The positive
There are several reasons why having more than the standard 2.4 children can be beneficial:
– Form relationships
When there are several children all living, playing, and fighting under the same roof, there’s always someone for them to spend time with. The number of bedrooms will also have to be factored in if you decide to have a few children. But worry not many adults who shared a room as a child said it was a positive experience. They learn to share, take turns and how to compromise among themselves – and these are all key skills that are essential in life. These aren’t just essential experiences to help them navigate school, either. The relationships they build with their siblings can be crucial in a work setting, too.
– Become independent
Older brothers and sisters are able to take the lead and show the younger ones how to do the basics, like pour cereal and tidy their bedroom. This instills independence into the little ones as, once they’ve learned to do these things for themselves, they can head to the kitchen and set out what they need to arrange their own breakfast.
– Offer support
Big families can support each other when things get hard. From the first broken heart to losing a parent, these life events can be tackled when there’s a big family unit to hold each other up through it all.
The things to think about
It’s not all roses, however. There are some things that can make you think twice before adding to your flock.
– It’s expensive
According to the 2019 Cost of a Child report from the Child Poverty Action Group, the overall cost of raising a child to the age of 18 is £151,000 for couples and £185,000 for single parents. That’s a lot of money if you have lots of children.
– It can be hectic
Trying to keep a house organised with one child is tricky. If you have five or six kids running around, it can become almost impossible. If you’re someone who likes to have a home for every item, you’d have to be prepared to let go of that if you have a few babies.
– Every day is a battle
Children fall out all the time. It’s just in their nature. If you have a large number of little ones in the same space, therefore, you’re more likely to spend a huge chunk of time breaking up fights.
Whatever you decide, whether you want lots of children or one little person to care for, you’re sure to find the perfect balance for your family. It’s a huge decision, but it will be the right one for you.
‘Contributed post’
