How Many Children Should You Have?
As I continue to dig into the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data examining the sexual behaviour of women and its impact, this time I am writing a follow-up article to – “What The declining Birth Rates Say About Women“.
Whilst I am one of the people that celebrate the falling fertility rate, this also got me wondering about something else. How many children should you have?
Even in the age of contraception, which has significantly contributed to the falling fertility rates across the world, this is a debate that’s yet to be settled.
And whilst the argument will probably be that there isn’t any real answer to this question, there are factors that should be considered before you decide to bring another human into the world.
What You Should Consider Before Having Kids.
Secondly, your career. It goes without saying that women’s careers take a hit should they decide to start a family. Are you ready for this? Remember, some women even leave the workforce entirely after giving birth because of different issues that might come up afterwards.
Thirdly, are you emotionally ready? You’ve heard the saying that the woman who walks into the labour ward is completely different to the one who comes out? Whilst we always expect the best, we should also prepare for the unforeseen.
These are not by any means the only things to think about. That said, we return to our subject matter. How many kids should you have?
How Many Do You Want?
working parents tend to have fewer children than non-working parents. The argument is that the former’s mind is occupied with other things and the latter, not so much.
True or otherwise, there are women who want one and others want above the average, 3.4. For reasons best known to them.
When Your Family Makes Demands.
Whilst there isn’t any definitive research that goes into this, parents’ experiences across the globe help give direction to this conversation.
Parents with only children worry that they might spoil their offspring as he or she gets undivided attention. Those with two feel like that’s the ideal number as the children learn traits that might not readily be taught in an only-child family.
When you step up from two to three kids, some parents admit that the change is significant as the family starts to feel big. Past three, this definitely comes with huge demands not just to the parents but also children.