All around me it seems that having two kids “is the new black”. Almost all of our neighbors and friends seem to be having (or plan to have) a total of two kids making the average family size equal to four. It made me wonder why two kids was so popular. One of our friends explained it best:
our society is planned around a family of four including three bedroom houses, and fitting and sitting comfortably in a car. You have better coverage; one-on-one parent to child ratio. Not to mention, children are expensive and if you want to give them everything you had and more and perhaps support their post-secondary education, you really can’t afford having more (figuratively and literally).
According to the most recent Stats Canada figures, the average family consists of 3 individuals (i.e. two parents and 1 child). Then why oh why have my husband and I decided to have three kids? We’re often met with confused looks and surprised expressions and curious remarks. “You’re having three kids? OH wow! You’re Brave! You’re Crazy!” Wow indeed as I often find myself questioning our decision when my boys are driving me bonkers and it’s not even lunch time yet. But in all honestly, I’m excited and thrilled to be having another baby, and here’s why:
1. We both came from a family of three kids. We both grew up as a family of 5 and enjoyed our experience. Yes, even though we’re both middle children. While two kids may be more simple and “easy” (which of course we all know is not the case), there’s something thrilling about having three kids. The different personalities, birth order impact and adding challenge to the chaos. Okay, maybe not the last one, but I always imagined my life with three kids (and three boys to be exact). I feel that my family wouldn’t be complete without the third and I’m thankful that I’m going to be able to experience that.
2. We love our dear boys so freakin much, I can’t even fathom my life without or before them. We know we have so much more love to give to another child without making anyone feel left out.
3. My husband and I are both young enough to try to conceive. They say that medically, a women’s risk of conceiving or having a healthy child once she turns 35 increases. While this isn’t a strict fact or rule, I am lucky enough to be having my third child before I turn 34. The age thing also plays into the energy factor. The younger you are, the more energy you have and believe me, I will need all the energy I can get to keep up with my (soon-to-be) three boys!
4. If I stop having kids, I’ll have to go back to a desk job. No, I’m just half kidding. I do love being a SAHM though, and I’m not ready to give up my “day job”. And one way to ensure I keep it, is by having more kids.
5. We all really know that the point of having kids is to have mini-servants right? Having just one or two doesn’t ensure that they’ll comply with your demands. It’s basic finance… you need to diversify to ensure that at least one child will listen to right? 🙂
What’s your magic number? How many kids do you have or plan on having?
I have 3 children as well! I think it is a great number. I have a 12 year old boy, 10 year old girl and 2 year old boy.
Maya why stop at 3? Even the field like us with 4 kids:)
Hey maya, good for you! May G-d always give you strength to keep up with your boys! We also have lots of kids and every time we wonder how we will afford it…something always works out. My kids might not get to travel as often as others or have as many toys (but believe me they have more than what they know what to do with), they will have life long friends in each other.
Love reason 4 & 5! 🙂
Hope 3 will be our magic number….but we shall see what life has in store for us. You gave a beautiful family Maya!
It’s funny, but I keep hearing/seeing that more and more are having 3 kids… at least in my neighborhood/among friends… than again for most of these the 3rd came in their late 30s.. so maybe your friends are not there yet, lol… I just had my second 16 months ago and I’m soon to be 37… but both my husband and I want 3. He comes from a family of 4 (3 sisters) and I come from a family of 2 and always only 2, so I always said I wanted 3… if I could afford more, I probably would have more as I loved being pregnant and love being a mom (especially the kisses and hugs). BUT, I’m not a SAHM and do love my job/the corporate world, so hopefully we’ll get to 3 before I’m 40 and hopefully they’ll keep me young :-). Good luck
I have 2 girls…..and I’m happy with that number. I had always wanted 3, but (if I may say so) my hubby does virtually nothing with or for the kids which includes school run for the 5yr old, bathing, lunches, laundry, playing with them, reading to them, etc…and he does almost nothing for the house either. I can’t fathom in my head why I’d bring another child into my life when I’m the one who would do everything for each child, and the home too. I can handle 2 kids (practically on my own except finances).
We have three kids as well, a boy 9, a girl 7 and a girl 4. Wouldn’t have it any other way…though you’re right when you say society doesn’t set much up for odd-numbered groups (e.g., hotel rates, amusement parks).
I have 4 kids…we got lucky and had 2 boys first and then 2 girls, everyone has a playmate….or someone to fight with. My kids are now 7,6,5 and 1. I was an only child and having a big family is amazing…..most of the time lol
I have 2, but I would love a 3rd. Hubby is not on board, though. So I guess it’s 2 for me…unless we have an accident 😉