To many kids?

Kat - posted on 03/16/2011

There are ups and downs to having a large family...
With two or three, you can easily plan one-on-one time with each child. With more it's a little trickier.

More kids means more love, more hands to share both fun and responsibilities. It also means longer waiting times at a crowded restaurant and more attention from strangers than you might like.

Less kids allows for a smaller vehicle, lower grocery bill, and more privacy. But I've been having a shopping blast lately buying a high-capacity front-load washer and a new large van as we prepare for the arrival of #6. And I've always found it easier (and cheaper) to cook in bulk!

To be honest, I never thought I wanted kids. In fact, most of mine were conceived using some sort of contraception. Which leads me to believe that no one can know how many children you should have but God. Leave the decision up to him (ignore everyone's recommendations) and I promise He'll do what's best for your family.

Tiffany - posted on 04/27/2009

All I can tell you is that I'm the mother of five children right now and I love it! Yes its very hectic and busy but I love it that way. I really don't believe that any one of my kids feel unloved or left out at all. My husband and I are very active with our children in all areas. I love being a mother! You just have to learn to be very organized lol! The only thing we do have problems with is when we put them in sports. Having the kids on different teams and going to different games just doesnt work well. So the answer is they take turns in different sports. There is always a way to make it work! God Loves you and your children! Listen to God not to what others think.

Mary - posted on 04/27/2009

Ok, Let's see. Truth or fact ... 1. If you have a more than 1 child, the other sibling or siblings will feel less attention? 2. T or F. There is not way you can love more than 1 person in your life, so when you get married you no longer have the ability to love anyone besides your husband. 3. T or F. You have to give your child everything everyone else has or whatever he wants so if you have more than 1 child, you are not going to be able to afford them because children should not have to share anything!! ..

I am a mother of 6 children. I have 4 grandchildren. We didn't plan to have a large family ( if 6 is considered large) God gave them 1 at a time and we accepted them. Where they all "planned" no. Did they have everything they wanted NO!!! The eye of a man is Never fool ... according to the Bible. Did they have everything they needed? Yes, Did they have more than I had as a child or my parents when they were children? Yes!! Did they have to share? Yes. Did they have their own toys!! Yes. Did they take piano, guitar, music, baseball, softball, soccer, drama, dance, and go to college? Yes. Could we ALWAYS afford those things? No, but when a child REALLY had the bent towards those ends ..... we found a way. Maybe your parents feel they will be expected to help you with all your kids and that's their true concern. Ask them and assure them that you are not depending on them for finances. If it's necessary, regroup as far as finances go. There's nothing wrong with "Planning" for a large family ... Most people don't start off that way and get the "'career" that's going to pay for this large family they "planned" on having .... although that would be great. God grows your heart and desire to have more ... and stretches your faith. My advice .... don't complain to others about what you don't have or what you wish your kids could do ..... (not that you do) show the positive side of having a large family. You have your own society in your home!!!! I don't care if you have 1 child or six. Your could have 2 kids and them be jealous over what the other has or doesn't have. You could have 2 kids and lose your job and not be able to provide them with what you thought your were going to. Keep in mind children are a heritage of the Lord and blessed is the man whose quiver is full. It's hard to have a large family and get to where God wants you to be in you and your husband are not on the same page ... so as long as he is willing to really have a part in parenting and not just providing ..... you'll be fine!!!! After I had 5 children, my husband lost his job for 18 months. we lost our home, went through our savings ..... started all over after being married 15 years, that was 15 years ago and those lean years are the years that my children say were precious to them, years to look to the Lord. 2 of my children are preachers, 2 in college and have been on the mission field. 1 in high school and going on a mission's trip this summer and 1 in elementary. Did they have all that money could buy? No, and they would tell you that they are GLAD they didn't. They had all they needed and alot of their wants and they learned to look to the Lord. As long as you reach their hearts ..... you will be ok!!!! God Bless . thanks for listening to an old lady!!!!

C. A. - posted on 04/27/2009

Whenever I seek quidance on a subject, especially something as important as children and family, I turn to God. God is the source of your strength and He supplies all of your needs. If it is His Will, you will have as many kids as planned by Him. The comments you have received are mere opinions of others. Those opinions should mean nothing to you unless you have first sought God's advice and He gives you an answer through someone else. But, He will make Himself clear to you to the point where you do not have to speculate or wonder what to do. And, when you begin to feel lonely, just talk to God. He is with you always, so you are never alone.

Amanda - posted on 04/27/2009

I had twins and another one but they were 4 yrs apart and I got a lot of comments about when I was stopping and then I got married and a step son came in the picture so when I tell people I have 4 boys their eyes bulge out. People are like "You got a football team already" or "When are you going to stop popping babies left and right" Last I checked you really couldn't help having two at a time when you have twins. Then I hear comments like "Are you gonna try for a girl?" Well if God wants me and my husband to have one together then I guess He will give us one.



Do not worry about what your family says. For 1- God said "Be fruitful and multiply" Not - Stop at 2 because you can't love more than that. God will give you as many as you will be able to handle. I would turn to God and as long as you and your husband want to have kids, I say go for it!



Who said there was a number to stop at when you have kids?

Heather - posted on 04/22/2009

we hve three our 1st is 3, 2nd is 2, and we have a 5 month old we recieved lots of negative comments because we also want a large family (at least 6) and we are so young (22 and 24) but we really feel this is gods will for our lives so we are there for each other even if no one else is after our third people started coming around its just not as common now a daysso people think its not right but back in the day people had tons of kids and they turned out fine. when i was pregnant with my second i thought i could never love this one as much as my fist but with each one my heart has grown soo much and i feel it will continue to grow until we and god decide its enough. if it is gods will for yall to have a lot of children then he will work things out for you. in the bible it say blessed is a man whos quiver is full (a quiver is 5)!! so do what you feel gods wills and i will pray for the hearts of the people around you cause i know how it feels.

Annette - posted on 04/22/2009

The decision is yours and your husbands; no one else's.

Leslie - posted on 04/20/2009

My friend has 7 boys and loves them all. Children are a blessing. You should not care what others have to say. It's up to you, your husband and God. If you are meant to have a large family...then you will. God is in control.

Rebekah - posted on 04/20/2009

I am number 4 of 8. Josh 32 and now has 2 of his own, Abigail and Abram. Faith 28 and has one of her own, Sabin. Sarah 25, has one on the way, We have been told it's a girl. we will know in about 3 weeks!!!. Rebekah(me) 23. Micah 18. Hannah 16. Seth 12. Leah 9. All of us from the same parents. Now married for 33 years. They loved and love us more then anything in this world. Mom was always home with us, we were all home schooled. And my dad worked to keep us going, but he was always there if we needed him. All of us got time with my parents. We all felt very loved.They say when they first got married that Dad wanted 5 and Mom wanted 2, So they put those numbers together and then added one, haha. They wanted whatever God gave them, and I think mom would have more if she could, I know my dad would. I think if you are praying with your husband and God is telling you to lean on him, and let him take care of you then that's what you should do. Trust me, I know there were times that my dad did not see how we could even make the bills. But he had Faith that God was going to take care of us. We never went without. We always had what we needed and most of the time what we wanted, and my dad does not make as much as most people. We also had my cuz and her baby living with us at one time. Then my grandparents had to move in because me greandpa was really sick. We had 14 people living together and God took care of all of us. I have been blessed to have parents that hear God, and don't lean on what they want, but what God is saying and what He wants for our lifes. Trust, and have Faith in God. People will always say, Don't do it. But if it's God's will. He will not give you more then you can take care of. I will pray for you. Hear Him! He is Your Daddy God.

Brandy - posted on 04/20/2009

My mother has 9 in her family and my father has 12 lol so I'm used to big familys and I love it! I am from a family of 3 but my husband has 6 in his family. I've always wanted between 6 -8 and my husband says whatever God wants! We have 3 right now. 3 yrs, 2yrs, and 9 months. I'd like to wait a couple years but I definitely want more. I'm only 23 so I have plenty of time. When God says that's enough then He won't give us any more! he controls it all!

Jenny - posted on 04/20/2009

I am blesed with five beatiful children ranging from age 2 1/2 to 10, I have unconditional love for each child. Only you and your husband can decide how many children you want and how many you feel you can handle. I will be praying for you and your husband, that you find the support you need and that you draw closer to God in this time of lonliness. Many blessings!

Elizabeth - posted on 04/19/2009

I was the oldest of 6 and my husband was one of three. He thought 3 was good, but I talked into 3 more. It has been wonderful! I remember after the 1st child feeling I loved her SO much, I was afraid I couldn't love another as much. But I'm sure you've discovered for yourself that that is ridiculous; you love ALL your children. The decision of how many kids to have is between you, your husband, and God. It's really nobody else's business or concern. Some people shouldn't have a lot of children. But some people certainly can. Only you and your hubby know if it is feasible for you. All of my children (4 are now adults, I have 2 at home still) know they are loved and also adore each other. YOU set the tone in your home as to how they feel about their parents and their siblings. My husband and I felt we would "decide" how many to have as we went along. You never know if you'll have a child with special needs, or whose temperament requires more of you time, or what other things might impact your family situation. So, take it one baby at a time, and see how it goes. For awhile, we thought 4 was keeping us busy enough. Later, we decided to add 2 more. As my mom says "Those were 2 of the best ideas you ever had!" There is no greater joy to be had in life. Don't let others decide for you what is best for your family. People with the kind of attitudes you've encountered shouldn't have a lot of kids. People who love children should if they can.
Good luck. And you are NOT alone! I know lots of big families!

Gina - posted on 04/19/2009

I believe that children are a blessing from God. America has an unspoken rule of 2, mostly because of our extra selfishness and neediness. I personally have 3 and would love more. I listened to that rule (or lie of satan's) and had my hub had a vasectomy, seven or so years later we changed our mind (or more like the Lord convicted us) We had a reversal and have not conceived, we are ok with this, whatever the Lord may have planned, we want to be obediant. Don't listen to what "they" say, do what you and your spouse have prayed about, desire and look to the Lord and His Word. I love the large fams we are around, they seem very loved and enjoy having a large family.

Susan - posted on 04/19/2009

You guys pray about it together.... He will NEVER lead you wrong.. !!

Katie - posted on 04/18/2009

I feel the same way. We are in the same place with 2 and hoping for 3+. My sister-in-law though has 4 and trying for # 5 (hoping for twins or more) ;) She was trying to encourage us to continue in our desire for more and told me about a web site that addresses some things that might be on your mind ... lotsofkids.com it also gives practical tips. Really, it isn't a decision for anyone else but you and your hubby. It shouldn't be a topic "up for discussion" with anyone else.

Shannon - posted on 04/18/2009

AMEN!!!

Tania - posted on 04/18/2009

I think it's all about priorities. If you make the effort to have individual time with each child, they will feel loved and appreciated. Obviously, if people who have big families don't make an extra effort, their kids don't feel that way; but that is true in small families as well.

Rachael - posted on 04/18/2009

I have 4 and I love it! I would have more if I could but got my tubes tied and regret it,my parents and grandparents thought I was nuts if I had more so I got them tied.biggest mistake i ever made:(

Rosie - posted on 04/17/2009

I have 5 kids myself and I wouldn't have it any other way. My kids know at the end of the day the ones that they can really depend on is their siblings. Yeah they fight and argue, but I didn't say it was perfect. God is working out their character is what my husband says. Remember where our children come from and that is from God! He is the Creator not us. He knows the desires of our hearts and according to His Word- Jeremiah 29:11-He knows what He wants for you. So pray for the peace that passes ALL understanding and He will give it to. And no matter what anyone says you will know what God wants for you and your husband.

Amy - posted on 04/17/2009

Don't let anyone tell you how many children you should have. Only you and your spouse are the one's praying about this life decision. I have 4 boys, and everyone asks me if I am going to keep "trying for a girl". I always say that I am not trying for a girl, because God is going to bless me with what he intends, and how many he intends, for me to have. I have a good friend that has 8. She homeschools every one of them, and has one of the most wonderful families in the world. Not perfect, but God fearing and absolutely loving. My boys are better because of their brothers, and I know they wouldn't trade them for the world!!!! Good luck and God bless!

Tre Musica - posted on 04/17/2009

I only have one, but I really dont think 5 is that many that they wont feel loved. I mean 10 + possibly but not 5. Just be sure to take measures to show that you love them and that they are ALL special. You'll be tired a lot, I am with just one. But I've seen large families that are all close. my hubby is one of 8 and only 1 the last one has issues and that's from getting too much attention (7yr age gap between him previous child and he was terribly spoiled)

Tam - posted on 04/17/2009

I come from a family where I had one natural sibling, but my mother and father became foster parents so we always had a houseful! It was loud and boisterous and at times I wanted five minutes to myself, but wouldn't trade it all for the world.

My husband and I have three, my SIL has 4 and another SIL has 5 and is pregnant with her sixth child. The oldest of these is 15 (will be16) so holidays are filled with such joy as the kids have a wonderful time. :)

It's so funny you ask now, I was watching a television show last night and the gentleman speaking was talking about Christians and how there was a generation who fell for the "lie" that we must have 2.5 kids and nothing else will be acceptable and how it's been passed on to their children. He said there are some families that do have to limit that for health reasons, but a lot of families who wanted more children felt pressured to not have them because the world considered it wrong. He said the generation bought into that lie and now as a body of Christ we are hurting. We are cutting back and as such, we have hurt the body of Christ. Interesting take on it. Especially when he points out that we are to be in the world and not of the world.

If God lays it on our hearts to have a big family we should not bow to the world's wishes.

Elizabeth (the Instigator) - posted on 04/17/2009

I would first like to say, if I were #5 and my mom said she should have stopped at 2, I would be extremely offended. I have been married a little over 9 years and just had my 6th child in January and when I am confronted by family I simply ask "which child do you wish I had stopped at."

Each little boy and girl are so unique and special that I can not imagine my day without any one of them. Our capacity to love is infinite with God's grace, and I believe He gives mothers special graces with every birth. When I had 2, I didn't think I could handle 3, but each new blessing brought with it extra stamina.

"Delight in the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will give thee the deires of thy heart" Ps 36:4

April - posted on 04/17/2009

I only have 2 children and I wanted more. I had horrible problems while pregnant and then had to have a hysterectomy at 27. I know that there is a reason that I only have two and they are a blessing. I think that you are lucky to have the option to have 5+ and if you can spread your love and make it happy do not worry about what others think. In the end it is for you, your husband and God to determine. I wish you all the best and many blessing of little ones to your family.

Tom N Anita - posted on 04/17/2009

We have 4 beautiful children, girl-13, boy-10, boy-8, and girl-6. My husband & I both came from big families mine 6 his 11. When we married we only wanted 2. But after the first that changed and we actually wanted 6. When I was pregnant with my 4th, strangers & family questioned us & treated us like we were weird. We ignored all of it. They don't pay my bills and it is between God, & me & my husband. Most of our friends have 3-4 children. We did stop at 4, probably would'eve had 2 more if we were younger. But we love each of our children and their individuality. Each one is loved and know it. We center our life around the Lord, our family serves the Lord together. We make sure we have plenty of family time (what u do with the time u are together, is more important than how much time it is) I know mothers who are home with their kids, but it is not good quality time!

Have as many children as you and your Husband feel God wants u to have and enjoy them. They are sooo much fun!!! Never a dull moment in my household, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Kim - posted on 04/17/2009

Honey, I believe Jesus creates every single little one. The world tells us we are selfish by having large families. I have four of my own and I foster children as well. How can they not feel loved and cared for when their Mummy and Daddy love each other and their syblings are encouraged to share and nurture each other. Having more than 2 children is not a bad thing. It can teach children so many good wholesome qualities. Our children should learn it is not all just about them, that there is a lot more out there other than them. Children from large families when raised well can be world changers. This is no ones decision to make but you and your hubby. Do what you want to do and love every single one as God does.

Lorraine - posted on 04/16/2009

I say go for it and God bless you wanting to have that many! Just think that if your MIL had what she now thinks she should have done you wouldn't have your husband. My personal opinion is that it is selfish and wrong for Christians to deliberately have less than 3 simply because each couple has to have 2.5 kids to just replace themselves. Having said that it is between the couple and God. My husband only had a half brother who was 12 yrs older so he wants a large(10kids or so) family. I was the middle out of 5. I used to joke that I wanted 15kids to outdo my greatgrandmother. I have two already and am counting down the days until I can go see the dr to see if my body is ready to have another one. Unfortunately due to having a major c/sec with my last one it looks like I can only have another 3 to 4 more. Quite disappointing but God knows what is best.

Marly - posted on 04/06/2009

I have seen a lot of huge familes that are close and happy, I have seen a lot that are stressed and bitter.  My only advice (since the number of kids is not anyone elses choice but yours...as long as you can give them healthy happy lives...go for it) is' learn from the people that have done this and now have grown children.  Learn from thier mistakes, learn from thier strengths.  I say if you can learn the easy way, go for it.  I am the youngest of 3 girls, not a huge family, but my extended family is gigantic and we are all close, I LOVED THAT.  But as the youngest I could watch my sisters and learn all of my lessons through them...I can still do this today.  It has proved to be the wisest thing I could have ever done.

Christie - posted on 04/06/2009

Let the Lord lead! To me thats the only thing to do!

Monica - posted on 04/06/2009

We have 4 girls!  My husband and I didn't have a set number of kids that we wanted.  Everyone always said you'll know when you are done.  I kept wondering if I woud ever get "that" feeling!!  With my last one I did KNOW that, she was going to be the last.  I did get frustrated with coments from people.  But my thoughts were until you start paying my bills for me, you don't get a say in how big my family is! 

Kristina - posted on 04/06/2009

You do what is comfortable for you and your hubby - I currently have 4 girls and want a boy really bad - we are not trying but we are not stopping it either.....  We have no support on one side - they love each and every one but they are against any more than 2 or 3 - but dont let them stop you - they are not the ones to support your kids you are.  It is great to have many siblings - I wish i could have had more than just the one, all the kids are loved and they know it! 

Chrissy - posted on 04/06/2009

Having a big family is a blessing! I have 5 munchkins and we are trying for our 6th, and they all feel equally loved and get the same amount of attention.. Our house is always filled with kids and I would not ever want it any different. Each child is a special gift for GOD. If you are ment to have a big family GOD will bless you with it, it does not matter whtat others think its what you and your husband want and as long as you two are happy with what you have that is all that matters.:)

*hugs*

Jessica - posted on 04/04/2009

We have three children and would have more if we were a little younger. Our three all know they're loved, and I don't think that would change if we added more. You and your hubby decide, and enjoy every one that you have!

Sheri - posted on 04/04/2009

Good morning Abigail....In all honesty I believe that if you can and want to have a big family and your hubby is on your side then by all means .....Not in all cases do some kids get more attention than the other it really depends on your family values..

how affectionate are you..In my case I am due in 20 days and this is my third but its me and my husbands first..And to my 2 girls my husband is the only father they have and to him they ARE his kids...If you are a patient and tolerant woman and have the lord on your side then I think you will be just fine, remember family and friends sometimes will throw out the negatives before they are positive...Sometimes it takes a stranger to guide you....

Johanna - posted on 04/03/2009

My parents had six children. I was the 4th! I have 3 older sisters and 2 younger brothers. I love being from a big family!!!! My sisters and I are all best friends and our little brothers know they can always come to us. Having a lot of siblings is nice because you never feel alone. I want to have as many kids as I can! I say go for it!!! It is your life and your family. This is a decision for you and your husband not your other family members!!!!

Meghan - posted on 04/03/2009

There is no number for how many kids a couple should have. Look at the show, 18 kids and counting on TLC. As the title says, 18 kids! If you and your husband want 5 kids, then don't let anyone change your mind or put negative thoughts in your head. Our parents are the opposite, they wants us to have more kids... We have 2 girls, and we were thinking a year or two from now to have another one. If we don't then that is that. Good luck!!

Vickie - posted on 03/28/2009

Besides, you may have not choice. I knew a gal who when first married her and her husband decided they wanted 6 kids. they had 4 - 2 boys and 2 girls and he got vasectemy then 4 years later they decided to have another so he got it reversed. Baby came and she got her tubes tied. Two years later she was preggers again. We teased her that she made a contract with God for 6 and 6 it was going to be no matter what they did!

Vickie - posted on 03/28/2009

If you can afford them and feel you can emotionally supply their needs do what you want - ignore what everyone else says. I can from a family of 4 and then one step and I have four kids of my own. It is fun. They are all grown now.

Lauren - posted on 03/27/2009

With my two boys being only 11 months apart, I already get comments about "being done". I think it is rude for people to say such things. God has commanded us to be fruitful and multiply, but also said "blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." I don't doubt it for one second. If my two boys are such huge blessings, how much more blessed would it be to have more children?! Also, my husband and I have chosen not to use birth control. There are many reasons involved but I say that to tell you that we are simply trusting God (we are using NFP). We know full and well that NFP isn't 100% accurate, but we're completely open to the idea that God would bless us with more children. And remember how the Bible tells us that God won't leave us to our own to fend for ourselves? He provides. I think if more people were willing to trust God, not only with how many children they would have, but also with how to provide for them, there would be more big families around.

Chantel - posted on 03/27/2009

We have 4 children.  It takes a concerted effort to give each one independent attention and to meet their needs, but what we have found most often happens is they turn to each other for love, camaraderie and friendship.  We can honestly say, our children are best friends.  We would have more if we could and may adopt if possible.  Just remember, there are plenty of children in small families who are ignored and feel unwanted.  It isn't the size of the family, but the parents at the head of the family!  We use attachment parenting and it has worked wonders for us....check it out....http://www.attachmentparenting.org/

Nicole - posted on 03/26/2009

I have 4 children ranging from the ages of 15 to 6 mo. and all of my children know I love them all equally I love them all very differently but equally. The Lord blessed me with 4 beautiful children ever one is a challenge in my spiritual, and emotional life

Jennifer - posted on 03/26/2009

Hi all! I would just as the other ladies have told you. God has planned your husband and your life not your MIL. If you want a big family...have one! Me and my husband wanted a big family and when I say big I mean 10+. But because of medical issues I became the proud mother of two healthly babies and God gave us a girl and a boy.



I myself have only one sister and wished I had more. My father came from a family of 8 and one of my aunts had 10 kids and needless to say...we always had plenty to play with and do. It was awesome! So you and your husband talk it over and don't worry what anyone else says!

Rhonda - posted on 03/26/2009

We have 7 children and I would do it again. Here are some thoughts that I have had. We didn't begin our marriage thinking we would have many children. We didn't discuss it at all. I am the oldest of 5 and my husband is the youngest of 3 boys. I didn't feel any less loved, we didn't have alot of money to spend lavishly but we did family things always, (camping, etc) and I was able to attend most functions that required money. I got married at 19 and got pregnant within the first month. About 2-3 years into marriage we started thinking about family size and what God had to say about it. We then decided we would not use any unnatural form of birth control and would not have a vasectomy or tubes tied. We had 4(twins) children within 5 years of marriage and started homeschooling. We had one baby die(stillborn) a couple of years later. We definetly then wanted to have another child right away and had 2 more boys. By this time though it was starting to get hard to homeschool, have babies, participate in church(awana, choir, field trips,etc) and run my house well. We started thinking about stopping having children and then I got pregnant. This was our last baby. We have gone through different changes(schooling, monetarily) over the years but I love having my kids. What I suggest is that you can have multiple children but there will be things that will be done in seasons. Looking back I should have gotten up early, cut back on many extra activities and limited my church activities so that I was not as exhausted and that I had plenty of time. My oldest 4 are young adult women now and they bring alot of emotional drama but the main raising is done, We are just holding on to our seats with 2 hands as they make life decisions. However, our 3 boys are 9,10, &12. We are right now evaluating what direction we go with activities, etc. We are raising another little family. It is fun and exciting and scary(we keep thinking that they are going to kill themselves! I will say that we have a friend that her husband is not involved at all - including spiritually, and it has been very difficult to have 5 children for her. I have just shared with her that she will probably just have to really have personal sacrifice to raise these children. She struggles but God is faithful and He knows her circumstances. Anyway, Time to me- is the big hurdle. I think that we need to not just accept the worlds view but seek what God will is for our lives. By the way, I did get my tubes tied - my husband only had to look at me and I was pregnant. Hope this helps. It is just thoughts and it is hard sometimes to feel or hear the person sharing on a forum. God is faithful and always gives us what we need.

Kimberley - posted on 03/26/2009

I think it is great that you want and can have a big family. Your children will feel as loved as much as you make them feel loved. Hey the Duggars have 18 and they all seemed loved!!!! I am sorry that your family is not supportive. I so wish financially we could have a large family so I say go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jenny - posted on 03/26/2009

I have a 16 month old dd, just had a m/c and would like to have another dd soon. I have seen both sides of the big family coin. I visited a missionary family in Germany, who had 8 kids. Each kid was musical and such a neat person. Mom was organized, happy and homeschooled them all.

I have a family at church that has 6 kids, and the oldest is 7. They are planning to conceive this summer for #7. The kids just don't seem very happy. The husband just quit his job and she has an internet business, that takes a lot of time.  I know these kids play by themselves a lot without a lot of interaction from Mom. Large families like this confuse and trouble me. I know they are getting government help.

I think if you can financially and emotionally support lots of kids go for it! Like everyone said, don't worry about what others say.

Ruth - posted on 03/24/2009

Hi, I know exactly where you are coming from. We have 4 children (6,4,2,1 all c-section) and are not apposed to the idea of having another child. Some family and friends from our church look at me like I'm crazy when I mention it, BUT I really trust and believe that God will let us know how many children to have. A lady at my church had 8 kids. What does it have to do with anyone else anyway. 

It's your decision and I say if it's what you want then let God bless you with as many children as you can. All the best, hope and pray that you will make you choice for you and not for anyone else. 

God Bless from New Zealand

April - posted on 03/24/2009

I think that the hand me downs are a great asset! I wore them as a kid, did not get the designer clothes that the other kids had at my age. shopped at goodwill when I got a job to learn how to stretch my dollars. of course, youre right, as a kid is was pretty sucky, but my kids are at least growing up in the same decade ( my sisters clothes were out of style WAY long before I got them:-)

Bernadette - posted on 03/24/2009

I am one of 7 children and will admit to not always getting one-to-one attention from my parents but never felt like I missed out. It wasn't always fun when we were little (we had our fair share of arguements,had to learn to share pretty quickly and got use to wearing hand-me-downs) but now I have a fantastic ready made support system. I have four children of my own and my oldest two were - boy, girl - and so many people assummed we'd stop having children once we had 'one of each' but I love having lots of children and although am not planning a 5th if one came along I'd thank God for another blessing.

April - posted on 03/24/2009

Everyone told me that the first year would be the hardest for me with the twins--not so! I only nursed for the first month (they had me nursing, pumping and supplementing because they were under 5 lbs when they came home) and I needed SLEEP!!! my hubby came up with a wonderful way to make sure we both got some sleep- night shift switch- each of us got up with the babies for 4 hours at night-doesnt sound like much, but 4 hours of sleep with newborns is GREAT! I think the hardest part is giving them the attention they want, plus keeping up with everything else at home! Ive seen the church van thing before--the seats look much comfier than ours-lol!

Beckie - posted on 03/24/2009

Quoting April:

beckie- I love seeing others with big families! are the daughters in the picture your youngest? my twin girls are 1 1/2, tell me it gets a bit easier! There is a family in our church with 7 kids and about the same range of ages, I love it! I think a lot of people tend to think of what they can afford in regards to fitting the kids into their lifestyle, but it never works out that way! kids really change priorities! by the way, what kind of van or car do you use to get everyone from a-b? we have a minivan that just barely fits everyone and the dog! beautiful family!

Hi April,

Yes, the daughters in my picutre are the youngest.  They are nine. I think raising twins does get easier. The first couple of years is rough for sure. Tandum nursing, 2 car seats to carry, potty training etc.  They are so much fun!  I still look at them in amasement that I had identical twins 9 years ago. lol  Our oldest daughter is adopted.  So we have many different dynamics to our big family.

We drive a 12 passengar van.  It looks like a "church van" but having all that space is great.

Thank you for your compliments and sharing with me.

Beckie