To Breed, Or Not To Breed?
My husband works with a woman who has informed him that people who have large families are selfish, that they are denying their children the love and attention that only children receive. Ever since then, Andrew has been combing the internet looking for supporting arguments for large families. Here are two of the interesting things he’s found so far.
The first one is the Duggar Family Website. This family has 17 children (the newest addition was born just this past August 2nd). I am constantly amazed to read how families this large function so smoothly. When discussing their daily routine on the FAQ’s page, Michelle Duggar, a.k.a. Mom, says "At 1:30, the little ones go down for naps (4 & under)." It makes me feel a little inadequate when I think of the chaos that can be bedtime at our house! And naps, forget about it! Of particular interest on this site is the photos page. Check out that house!
The second thing Andrew found was this:
It’s so cute! I, however, was bawling after watching it. Stinkin’ pregnancy hormones!
So what do you guys think? Are big families bad for the children? What are some good reasons to have big families? Andrew and I always planned on having a big family, but I guess we never analyzed our reasons for it. When he asked me the other day why I felt like big families were a good thing, all I could say was, "Tuh keep the farm runnin’ smooth, Pa!"
that is simply one of the signs of the times. Women will be haters of their own children. It is selfishness to not welcome children into your family and into your home. I think anyone with a few kids know how much time/energy/money/skill/patience/creativity/ ect it takes to raise kids…and sometimes it feels like after you do that there is nothing left.
I am not saying you have to have 17 or that you have to have 6. All I am saying is families are ordained of God and a blessing and you should prayerfully consider your family size and if it’s big “Cool Beans” & lucky kids.
and if it’s small that’s okay with me too…just don’t judge others.
stepping off the soap box
Comment by txmommy — August 13, 2007 @ 8:39 am
I personally think that 17 children might be a tad extreme. I know the Lord gave us a commandment to multiple and replenish the earth. But he also gave us our free agency and ability to make our own choices.
So if you choose to have a large or small family it’s what’s best for you and your family.
I think children in larger families have more fun. There is always someone to play,etc.
Comment by Erin — August 13, 2007 @ 9:52 am
I offer insight as an only child. It’s really rather lonely. My mom would have loved to have had more children (my dad wasn’t so keen).
I can also say that the contrast between my childhood and my husband’s (he’s the eldest of five) is crazy. It took me a little while to get used to the noise and exuberance … but we both love it.
I never wanted to have an only child, since I knew what it was like. And then I had twins. ^_^ Lots of people said, “Oh, you have a boy and a girl. Looks like you’re done!”
Um, yeah. Until they’re out of diapers. ^_^ Then I might drop another litter … but it would be nice to have one at a time, I think.
And, I’m not pregnant and I started to tear up at the commercial. It was brilliantly done. Where on earth did you find it?
Comment by Allanna — August 13, 2007 @ 3:25 pm