What's the optimal number of children to have?

Question

Before I had children I wanted to have one biological child and adopt 7 more for a total of 8. After I had children I realized how unrealistic that was for my family and the quality of life I feel that needs to be offered to each child. Now, I think 2 children might be optimal.

What's the optimal number of children you feel the you or others should have?

Whats the optimal number of children to have?

love_conquers_lust · Accepted Answer

Minimum of 2 is what I was shooting for. But until I can afford it, 0. If I ever find a spouse, and we still can't afford it, I think it wise we cherish each other. That's what my aunts and uncles did, though they could MORE than afford it, they just didn't want to.

Avicenna · Accepted Answer

My older sons like American football, so I need some more players- I need 10 altogether (I can play QB)!

DJB72 · Answer

Three. My wife and I had problems so we're now both over 50 with a 5 year old running around. We wanted more, but just getting this one in our mid 40s was exhausting.

He has needs we can't meet. A playmate being the first thing. Our situation is "complicated" what with me having spent most of the last 4 years on bed rest trying to preserve the leg I've got left. Medical bills have stripped our savings away and so more IVF was out of the question.

I grew up with a brother until he was killed in an accident when he was 10 and I was 13. I could have done with another sibling to grieve with.

So 3 would have been my ideal, but I wouldn't change the boy I have for anything.

LaFemmeFatale_1 · Answer

When I was engaged he wanted 3-4 children with me, we were even thinking to adopt one more later on in life, I am now very confused, because we must have had our first child when I’d be 27.

I am already 27 and single so don’t know anymore.

CalmUntilAbused · Answer

As many as economically possible. I'd say 4 is the absolute minimum, two sons and two daughters. This way, they could make serious use of the mutual support advantage further in life, and they would even have access to insider knowledge on how to find their own significant others.

A-John-W · Answer

At least 3 is my instinct - 2 to replace us, one more for good measure (preferably a boy and two girls, but you can't be too picky lol)

But honestly I would want as many as possible.

I was an only child until I was twelve when my half-brother was born to my dad, then my half-sister on my mums side when I was sixteen. I wish we were closer in age, which I think is a big part of why I want multiple myself

RebelinSteel · Answer

From a family of 3 kids, I would go with 2. For my brother and sister I was that middle kid and left to do my own thing.

EmmaMary · Answer

Two was what we always planned for, and two (boy & girl) is what we have... Naturally we couldn't be any happier.

matchrestore · Answer

My wife and I initially wanted 3, but we're now deciding that the one we have is enough.

goaded · Answer

I voted 2, because that's what I've got. The second is not a spare!

jarkitor20 · Answer

Heir and a spare lol that's funny. 2 is good for me to have a boy and girl

LiamJHayden · Answer

My own little Duggarville lol j/k I'm congenitally sterile so if I have any it will be via adoption.

Anonymous · Answer

Probably too late now (by choice). Do I regret it? Not at all.

Anonymous · Answer

1-2 for me at least if I decide to be a parent.

SphynxUK · Answer

The optimal number is gojng to be different for us all. For me, 2 is enough. A third wouldn’t really have made much difference to be fair.

Anonymous · Answer

2 is probably the most doable. I have two sisters and we were dirt poor and I didn't get much attention from my parents growing up.

GregorSamsa · Answer

If I had any kids, they'd better float, because I'm lashing them together and using them to raft off this sinking ship to the nearest deserted island.

AviatorTom · Answer

Optimal is 3, as they say, one of each LOL, spaced 2-3 years apart.

yo_denz_735 · Answer

Ideal minimum: 2 or more. If you can't afford it: definitely 0

Apple1996 · Answer

At this point I'm going for a record

KostasKouvalis · Answer

2 is optimal. 3 should be the cap. Anything over 3 is stupid.

Kelly6 · Answer

@wolfcat87  i need mini team 🤣

Alex-Snow · Answer

Two... one to replace each of the parents

exitseven · Answer

I have 3 nd it is a good even number.

Jennz6 · Answer

One of each

elizamichale1 · Answer

2 or maximum 3

AmeerX · Answer

I want a mini team:)

jmsinaz · Answer

Zero

jimmy2 · Answer

I had 2

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